The Montreal Victoire have re-signed goaltender Sandra Abstreiter to a one-year contract, the team announced on Thursday.
Abstreiter was the team’s third goaltender last season and did not appear in any games. She did dress as the backup for a few games. She is Germany’s #1 goaltender and had a 3-0 record at Olympic qualifiers, with a 0.67 goals against average and .967 save percentage. She also played at the World Championship, going 2-3 with a 2.22 goals against average and .923 save percentage.
She has played three career PWHL games, all in the league’s inaugural season with the Ottawa Charge. She was 0-1 with a 3.18 goals against average and .913 save percentage.
“Sandra brings a strong presence in front of the net, is a great teammate and has the ability to start games in our league, coming off an outstanding international season. This is a great opportunity for a goalie who has worked incredibly hard with our goalie coaches this past season. We are very excited to see her in net next season,” said Victoire General Manager Danièle Sauvageau.
Abstreiter will likely have a chance to win the backup job with Elaine Chuli signed with the Toronto Sceptres.
“I am thrilled and grateful to be able to put on the Victoire jersey for another season. Playing in this city with such a passionate and loud fan base is an honour and I am excited to be a part of our hard-working group for another year,” said Abstreiter.
Dubois returning as well
Later in the day, the team announced that F Catherine Dubois signed a new one-year contract.
The 29-year-old has been with the team since their inception. She had six goals and three assists in 24 games last season, and added one goal in the playoffs — the game winner in the fourth overtime of Game 3.
“Catherine plays an important role within our group, making an impact both with her on-ice performance and the relationships she builds with her teammates. She’s taken major steps forward in her game over the last two seasons, continuing to develop and consistently playing to her strengths. We’re excited to welcome her back and look forward to what lies ahead,” said Sauvageau.
“I am extremely happy to pursue this beautiful adventure with the Victoire. I will continue to play alongside my teammates and in front of our great fans who have supported me from the beginning. Playing in Montreal is a privilege, and I am happy to continue to proudly wear the Montreal Victoire uniform,” said Dubois.
