Boreen Shines On Montreal’s Top Line In Win Over Former Team

The Montreal Victoire returned to Place Bell for the first time in 2025 on Jan. 17. The game was a battle for positioning atop the PWHL standings, sparring with the Minnesota Frost for the third time this season.

With Laura Stacey listed out with an injury, Abby Boreen took her spot on the top line alongside Marie-Philip Poulin and Jennifer Gardiner. The decision paid off, as Boreen tallied two goals in the game. Poulin and Claire Dalton added goals, while Erin Ambrose compiled three assists, securing a 4-2 win for the Victoire, who are now tied with Minnesota for first place in the PWHL standings with a record of 5-2-1-2.

“It feels pretty good to do that against Minnesota,” Boreen said. “But, honestly, I just love this group here. We have something really special.”

Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie did praise Boreen’s performance, stating how proud she was of the forward playing hard against her former team. Cheverie also took the time to speak on the value that Stacey brings to the lineup, saying that she isn’t replaceable.

“We never want to have Laura Stacey out of the lineup,” Cheverie said. “She brings so much to our team [...] but we have a deep team that can step up.”

Minnesota was in the midst of enduring a three game road trip, including a matchup two nights prior against the New York Sirens, before facing Montreal. Frost head coach Ken Klee spoke on the importance of battling hard on the road.

“For us, it’s about getting points,” said Klee. “You’re just trying to give yourself a chance to get points, and on the road, just make sure that we keep fighting the good fight.”

A goal late in the second period from Frost captain Kendall Coyne Schofield provided a resurgence of energy that was sustained at the start of the third frame.

“We knew it was coming,” stated Cheverie. “I thought we were on our heels a little bit, but once we refocused the group, and they refocued themselves, I thought the response was really good.”

Montreal took to the ice Friday night with a league worst 6.25 power play success rate. Poulin and Boreen both tallied special teams markers, with the latter scoring in the final frame and taking the wind out of Minnesota’s sails. Coach Cheverie had spoken previously about the struggles for this special teams unit, saying that it was close to finding twine.

“We put so much time and effort into our special teams, and the looks we’ve been getting, it was only a matter of time,” said Cheverie.

Montreal will now head to Quebec City on Sunday as the Videotron Centre will play a host to the next stop in the 2024-25 Takeover Tour. Montreal will face the Ottawa Charge, and puck-drop is set for 1 p.m. EST.