Montreal Victoire announced the selection of six new players in the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft, among them forward Petra Nieminen, while also securing forward Abby Roque on a two‑year contract. The dual moves come as the franchise finalizes its roster ahead of the upcoming season.
The six draftees were chosen with Victoire’s final pick in the 2026 PWHL draft, a position the team used to add fresh talent to its lineup. Petra Nieminen, a recognized name in women’s hockey, is the most prominently mentioned of the new additions, reflecting the team’s focus on strengthening its forward corps.
In addition to the draft activity, Victoire confirmed that Abby Roque will remain with the club under a new two‑year agreement. Roque, who has contributed as a forward in previous campaigns, will now continue her tenure with the team through the contract period, providing continuity as the roster evolves.
The franchise’s front office emphasized that the combination of new draft selections and the retention of a key player is part of a broader strategy to shape a competitive roster for the season to come. By leveraging the final draft slot and securing Roque, Victoire aims to balance incoming talent with experienced contributors.
The PWHL draft, which allocates new players to the league’s teams, gave Victoire the opportunity to address specific roster needs. The six new players, including Nieminen, are expected to integrate into training camp and preseason activities in Montreal as the club prepares for league play.
Overall, the moves signal Victoire’s intent to build a cohesive unit capable of meeting the challenges of the 2026 season, blending fresh prospects with established players under a clear contractual framework.