The Montréal Victoire have placed starting goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens on long term injured reserve retroactive to March 18.
Desbiens left the game March 18 against the Boston Fleet after suffering a lower-body injury. The 30-year-old needed to be helped off the ice by teammates.
“The results from the medical exams following her injury are encouraging, and we expect her to return in the near future. This type of injury will require a weekly, if not daily follow ups,” declared Victoire General Manager Danièle Sauvageau.
In a subsequent move, Montréal signed former Montreal Force goaltender Tricia Deguire to a contract. Deguire took pare in a tryout with the Victoire this Fall. The move is allowable following the PWHL's roster free date to fill a goaltending position.
Will Desbiens' Injury Impact Team Canada?
Canada named Ann-Renée Desbiens to their initial IIHF World Championship roster. There's no reason to believe Desbiens will not be available for Canada at the World Championships. At the PWHL level, LTIR means a player must miss a minimum of 21 days. For Desbiens, that minimum return date would bring her to April 8, the day prior to puck drop at the World Championships.
Canada could however, make a roster change leading up to the tournament if Desbiens expects to be out longer. Canada also named Toronto Sceptres goalie Kristen Campbell, and Minnesota-Duluth goaltender Eve Gascon to their crease.