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PWHL Postpones Montreal-Minnesota Semifinal Over Possible Hantavirus

5/12/2026

Summary

PWHL Postpones Game

PWHL postponed Game 5 of the semifinal between Montreal Victoire and Minnesota Frost because staff said symptoms were not consistent with hantavirus.
League announced the delay less than three hours before the 7 p.m. ET start at Place Bell.
The game will be played on Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. ET, after which the winner will face Ottawa Charge in the final, with Games 3 and 4 on May 18 and May 20 in Ottawa.

Summary

PWHL Reschedules

The PWHL will honor all tickets for the postponed Game 5 and offer refunds to fans who cannot attend.
The league has not disclosed the illness, which is confined to the Montreal Victoire and has affected at least five players.
The postponement creates a scheduling dilemma because Place Bell also hosts an NHL playoff game that night.
The PWHL promised to announce a new game date within the next 24 hours.

Summary

PWHL Delays Season

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) postponed its season as hantavirus drew attention after a deadly Antarctic cruise ship outbreak.
Health officials identified several Canadians as contacts of the outbreak, but no Canadian cases have been confirmed.
The league said medical assessment ruled out hantavirus, showing a precautionary stance amid disease concerns.
Photographer Evan Buhler captured a Place Bell postponement sign for the Montreal Gazette, which appeared with the announcement.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 a hantavirus outbreak in the Four Corners region infected 62 people and killed three, prompting the CDC and Navajo Nation to launch nationwide alerts. That response became a reference point when the Professional Women’s Hockey League delayed its May 2024 semifinal between Montreal Victoire and Minnesota Frost after similar symptoms appeared. The precedent shows rapid venue postponements help preserve public trust.

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PWHL Postpones Game

PWHL postponed Game 5 of the semifinal between Montreal Victoire and Minnesota Frost because staff said symptoms were not consistent with hantavirus.
League announced the delay less than three hours before the 7 p.m. ET start at Place Bell.
The game will be played on Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. ET, after which the winner will face Ottawa Charge in the final, with Games 3 and 4 on May 18 and May 20 in Ottawa.

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