PWHL postpones Minnesota-Montreal Game 5 out of player safety illness concerns

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Minnesota Frost forward Abby Hustler (74) attacks the goal of Montreal Victoire goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens (35) in the second period of a Game 4 in a PWHL hockey playoff series game, Friday, May 8, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (Aaron Lavinsky/Minnesota Star Tribune via AP)

Montral Victoire forward Maureen Murphy (21) scores a goal against Minnesota Frost goaltender Maddie Rooney (35) in the third period of a Game 4 in a PWHL hockey playoff series game, Friday, May 8, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (Aaron Lavinsky/Minnesota Star Tribune via AP) — Minnesota Frost forward Abby Hustler (74) attacks the goal of Montreal Victoire goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens (35) in the second period of a Game 4 in a PWHL hockey playoff series game, Friday, May 8, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (Aaron Lavinsky/Minnesota Star Tribune via AP)

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4:50 PM on Monday, May 11

By STEPHEN WHYNO and JOHN WAWROW

The fifth and deciding game of the PWHL’s semifinal playoff series between Minnesota and Montreal scheduled for Monday night has been postponed.

The league announced Game 5 between the Frost and Victoire would not take place in Laval, Quebec, as planned because of player safety concerns related to an illness.

Two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press the illness is limited to Montreal. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the PWHL is not revealing that information.

The PWHL said medical assessment has determined that the symptoms are not consistent with hantavirus.

The rodent-borne disease has drawn attention in recent days after several Canadians were identified as contacts linked to a deadly outbreak aboard an Antarctic cruise ship, though no Canadian cases have been confirmed.

It was not immediately clear when the game will now take place, though the league expects to provide an update within the next day.

“The decision was made following consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with the league’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of players, fans, staff and all those involved in the competition,” the PWHL said.

The winner will face the Ottawa Charge in the Walter Cup Final after they defeated the Boston Fleet in the other first-round matchup. Minnesota won the title in each of the league’s first two years of existence and is going for a three-peat.

The regular-season champion Victoire and third-seeded Frost have alternated wins, splitting each of their two games at home, including Montreal's 1-0 triple-overtime win in Game 2. The Frost forced Game 5 with a 3-1 win at Minnesota on Friday night.

The teams flew together by charter to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4, but traveled back to Montreal separately on Saturday.

The PWHL said earlier in the day that Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-five final at Ottawa were set for May 18 and May 20. It was also not clear if those dates would be affected by the postponement.

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AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey