Recent Roster Changes
The Ottawa Charge made headlines this week by signing defender Sam Isbell to a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Standard Player Agreement. Isbell joins the active roster just in time for a critical playoff matchup against the Montréal Victoire. This strategic move comes as the Charge placed Jincy Roese on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), leaving a gap in their defense that Isbell will now fill. Roese had recently returned from injury but was sidelined again after just one period in her playoff debut.
Thrilling Playoff Action
As the PWHL Finals heat up, the competition has been intense. The Charge has proven to be a formidable playoff team, with every game in their postseason run decided by just one goal, a remarkable feat in league history. However, their journey has been marked by heartache as they narrowly lost to the Minnesota Frost in a thrilling Game 4 of the finals. The Frost secured the Walter Cup title with a 2-1 overtime victory, marking their second consecutive championship.
The standout player of the series was Ottawa’s Gwyneth Philips, who was awarded the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP despite her team's loss. Philips expressed her mixed emotions, emphasizing that individual accolades pale in comparison to the team’s ultimate goal of winning.
Momentum Shifts and Key Performances
The finals have seen several pivotal moments, particularly during the games that went into overtime. A highlight was Katy Knoll’s dramatic triple-overtime goal that gave Minnesota a 2-1 series lead, showcasing the resilience and skill on both sides. Ottawa has struggled with injuries, as forward Kateřina Mrázová missed consecutive games, highlighting the physical toll of the playoffs.
With their playoff run concluded, the Charge will look to regroup and build upon their impressive performance in the upcoming 2025-26 season, as they released their full schedule this week, aiming to capitalize on their momentum from this season.
TL;DR
- Ottawa Charge signed Sam Isbell as Jincy Roese goes on LTIR.
- All playoff games for the Charge decided by one goal, a league record.
- Minnesota Frost won the Walter Cup with a 2-1 overtime victory in Game 4.
- Gwyneth Philips named Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP despite team loss.