Before taking the ice for her debut PWHL playoff game, Abby Hustler confessed to feeling a touch of anxiety. Hailing from St. Louis, P.E.I., she is the lone Islander in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Facing the Montréal Victoire, the top regular-season finisher, Hustler’s Minnesota Frost, seeded third, emerged victorious with a 5-4 win in Game 1 of the Walter Cup semifinals at the Victoire’s home rink in Laval, Que.
Expressing excitement over the initial win, Hustler emphasized the need for sustained effort in the five-game series. The 2025-26 PWHL regular season concluded in April, with Montréal leading the standings for the second consecutive year, followed by the Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, and Ottawa Charge. Montréal, as the top seed, opted to face Minnesota in the first round, sparking motivation among the Frost players, particularly the veterans, who found the decision bold and somewhat offensive.
Hustler received significant support from her family members in the stands during her playoff debut. She acknowledged her teammates for aiding her adjustment to the game and highlighted the heightened intensity of playoff hockey compared to the regular season. With the series now tied at 1-1, Game 2 between Minnesota and Montréal is scheduled for Tuesday. Hustler, preparing for the upcoming match, stressed the importance of rest, recovery, and strategic focus.
The Montreal Victoire fans remained enthusiastic despite the team’s overtime loss in Game 1 of the PWHL playoffs. The anticipation is high for Game 2 as both teams gear up for another intense showdown.
