The Ottawa Charge achieved a historic milestone by clinching their inaugural spot in the PWHL Finals after a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Montréal Victoire. This victory not only marked the end of the best-of-five semifinal series—where Ottawa triumphed 3-1—but also set the stage for the Charge to compete for the coveted Walter Cup.
Key Moments
The decisive game took place at TD Place, where Ottawa's passionate fan base witnessed a hard-fought battle. The Charge's journey to the finals has been characterized by tight matches; in fact, all eight of their playoff games thus far have been decided by a single goal, a record streak in PWHL history. Notably, five of these games went into overtime, underscoring the intensity of Ottawa's playoff run.
In the finals, Ottawa faced the Minnesota Frost, who were looking to defend their title after winning the Walter Cup the previous year. The series opened with a tense Game 1, where Ottawa edged out Minnesota 2-1 in overtime, thanks to a clutch goal from Emily Clark. This victory not only gave Ottawa a 1-0 series lead but also showcased their resilience in high-pressure situations.
Player Impact
Gwyneth Philips, the Charge’s goaltender, has been a standout performer in the playoffs. Despite the disappointment of not winning the championship, she was honored with the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award for her exceptional play throughout the postseason. Philips expressed her mixed emotions, recognizing the significance of her individual achievement while lamenting the team's loss in the finals.
As the finals progressed, the Charge's depth and talent were on full display. Players like Rebecca Leslie, who scored in back-to-back games, and Clark, who has been pivotal in securing wins, have emerged as key contributors. Their strong performances highlight not only individual skill but also the teamwork that has propelled Ottawa to this unprecedented stage.
Summary of Events
Following their finals appearance, the Charge released their schedule for the 2025-26 regular season, hinting at exciting times ahead for Ottawa hockey fans. With a roster bolstered by fresh talent from the recent draft and the experience gained from their playoff run, the Charge are poised to build on their success.
As they prepare for the next season, Ottawa's journey through the playoffs has sparked enthusiasm among fans and players alike, signaling a bright future for women's hockey in the nation’s capital.
TL;DR
- The Ottawa Charge made history by reaching their first-ever PWHL Finals.
- They defeated the Montréal Victoire 2-1 to secure their spot in the championship series.
- Goaltender Gwyneth Philips was named the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP despite the team's loss in the finals.
- Ottawa will look to build on their playoff success as they release their 2025-26 regular season schedule.