The Montreal Victoire continue to re-stock their roster signing two-time Walter Cup champion defender Maggie Flaherty and St-Jean-sur-Richelieu native Jade Downie-Landry to one-year contracts.
Downie-Landry is a local pickup for the Victoire. She played her college hockey at McGill and played a year with the Montreal Force before being drafted by New York in the 2023 PWHL Draft, where she spent the last two seasons.
“Jade combines offensive touch with a strong physical presence. She has the ability to generate offence, win puck battles, and shut down opposing threats, making her dependable and a difference-maker at both ends of the ice,” said Victoire General Manager Danièle Sauvageau.
The 29-year-old had 12 goals and seven assists in 54 career PWHL games. Last season, she had four goals and two assists in 30 games. She has not missed a game in her two PWHL seasons.
“It’s a dream come true to represent my hometown. There’s nothing more special than putting on a Victoire jersey and playing for a city and fans that mean so much to me,” said Downie-Landry.
Flaherty, 25, played the last two seasons with the Minnesota Frost and was a regular on their blue line. playing 16 playoff games over the last two seasons, earning one assist. She has also played 46 regular season games over the last two seasons with two goals and six assists. She had one goal and one assist in 22 games this season.
Both of Flaherty’s goals are game-winning goals.
She is known for her physicality and defensive play and was suspended two games earlier this season for an illegal check to the head of Boston Fleet forward Alina Müller. Montreal does see some untapped potential in her two-way game, as well.
“Maggie brings a steady presence on the back end. She’s a tough defender to play against, defends well, and is confident with the puck on her stick. Her offensive game will continue to grow, and she has great upside as a two-way defender in the PWHL,” said Sauvageau.
Flaherty is a Minnesota native and played her college hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
“I am incredibly excited and grateful to continue my professional career with such an amazing organization. I can’t wait to play in front of Montréal’s amazing fans and explore the beautiful city,” said Flaherty.
