Jamie Hersch and Kenzie Lalonde lead Ottawa Charge vs Montreal Victoire PWHL Finals coverage on TSN, ION and Scripps Sports

Match date: 18 May 2026

Ottawa Charge face Montreal Victoire in a pivotal PWHL Playoffs clash on Monday, 18 May 2026, with viewers in Canada able to follow the action on TSN1, TSN5 and the TSN streaming platforms, while US audiences can watch on ION via Scripps Sports. The game has a proper big-stage feel to it, with the Walter Cup Final drawing strong attention across North America as the league continues to build its profile through multi-platform coverage and familiar broadcast voices.

For this latest instalment of the series, Jamie Hersch is on presentation duties, with Kenzie Lalonde providing play-by-play, Cheryl Pounder handling colour commentary, and Rob Pizzo reporting from rinkside. The broadcast is bolstered by analyst contributions from Becky Kellar and Alison Lukan, giving the telecast a mix of elite playing experience, sharp tactical insight and polished studio style. That blend has become one of the PWHL’s strengths: the league is not just selling the hockey, but also presenting it with a proper broadcast identity.

Jamie Hersch is well known to fans on both sides of the border thanks to her long run as a versatile host and reporter in hockey. She previously worked on NHL coverage in the United States and has become one of the most recognisable faces in women’s hockey broadcasting, bringing an easy, informed style to live event coverage. Her role in the PWHL has helped establish the Finals as appointment viewing, especially for audiences looking for a professional, modern presentation.

In the commentary booth, Kenzie Lalonde continues to grow her reputation as one of the most promising voices in the sport. A Canadian broadcaster with a strong background in hockey coverage, Lalonde has developed a clear, composed play-by-play style that suits fast-paced finals hockey. Beside her, Cheryl Pounder adds serious authority. The former Olympic gold medallist and longtime hockey analyst is one of the most respected voices in Canadian sports television, and her experience as both a player and commentator gives viewers a rare level of insight into the momentum swings that define a championship series.

The panel is equally well stocked. Becky Kellar, another Olympic champion and one of Canada’s most respected women’s hockey figures, has built a broadcasting career on calm, concise analysis and a strong understanding of defensive structure and team systems. Alison Lukan, meanwhile, brings a modern analytics-led perspective and has become widely recognised in North American hockey circles for her detailed tactical breakdowns. Together, they provide a broad and balanced view of the game, making the coverage appealing to both seasoned fans and newer viewers.

Rob Pizzo completes the set-up as reporter, a role he has filled for years across Canadian hockey coverage. Known for his experience across major sporting events and his ability to distil key storylines quickly, Pizzo remains a dependable presence for live finals coverage. His work helps connect the broadcast to the bench, the players and the atmosphere around a game that carries genuine championship pressure.

The matchup itself is an important one in the league’s first all-Canadian Walter Cup Final, with Montreal and Ottawa battling for supremacy in a series that has already delivered plenty of tension. The PWHL has done well to build this stage with strong distribution across linear TV, streaming and league-owned digital platforms. Fans who prefer a central source for league information can also keep tabs on official updates via the official PWHL finals primer.

For viewers in the United States, ION and Scripps Sports provide the network path to the game, helping the league maintain exposure beyond traditional hockey markets. In Canada, TSN remains the cornerstone of the broadcast, and the availability on multiple TSN outlets ensures accessibility for a national audience. With the Championship series still in the balance, the combination of high-quality teams and a well-established commentary lineup should make Ottawa v Montreal another showcase night for the women’s game.

Article generated: 18 May 2026, 23:03 GMT