In a tightly contested Professional Women's Hockey League battle, the Montreal Victoire emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Charge on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The game, held at the arena in Laval, Quebec, was decided by a standout performance from Montreal forward Shiann Darkangelo.
Key Plays and Goaltending Duel
The matchup featured a compelling goaltending duel, with Ottawa's Gwyneth Philips facing a barrage of shots from the Victoire offense. A pivotal moment occurred in the second period when Darkangelo, wearing number 27, battled in front of the net and attempted to swat a loose puck past Philips, who was stretched out in a desperate reach. This relentless pressure in the offensive zone was a hallmark of Montreal's strategy throughout the night.
Darkangelo Delivers Decisive Performance
While the official scoring summary details were not fully listed in the initial report, it was confirmed that Shiann Darkangelo led her team to the win. Her efforts, both in scoring and creating chances, were the driving force behind Montreal's offense. The 2-1 final score underscores the narrow margin and the critical nature of each play in a league known for its competitive parity.
The victory adds crucial points to Montreal's standing in the early part of the 2026 PWHL season. For Ottawa, the narrow loss, despite a strong showing from goaltender Philips, highlights the fine line between securing points and coming up just short in a fast-paced, physical league.
Implications for the PWHL Season
Games like this January 13th contest demonstrate the intense rivalry and high level of skill present in the PWHL. Every matchup has significant implications for the playoff picture. The performance of stars like Darkangelo and goaltenders like Philips continues to elevate the profile of women's professional hockey, drawing attention from fans across Canada and beyond.
As both teams analyze this game, Montreal will look to build on this momentum, while Ottawa will aim to convert strong defensive and goaltending performances into wins in their upcoming fixtures.
