The Ottawa Charge have secured their spot in the Walter Cup Final for the second consecutive year. Michela Cava’s goal in the second overtime sealed a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Boston Fleet, allowing the Charge to clinch the best-of-five semifinal series in four games.
Last year, Ottawa fell short in the final against the Minnesota Frost. The Charge will now await the outcome of the Montreal Victoire-Frost series, which will be determined in Game 5 on Monday.
Scoring for Ottawa were Sarah Wozniewicz, Rebecca Leslie, Brooke Hobson, and Michela Cava. Gwyneth Philips, the goaltender, had an impressive performance with 43 saves.
On the other side, Shay Maloney, Megan Keller, and Sophie Shirley found the back of the net for the Fleet, with Aerin Frankel making 29 saves. Despite losing the first game, Ottawa rallied back to claim victory in the next three matches, marking Boston’s first three-game losing streak of the season.
In a tense first overtime period, Ottawa managed to hold off a power play opportunity for Boston after Brianne Jenner was penalized for holding, preventing a potential game-winning breakaway chance for Jill Saulnier.
The game saw both teams creating scoring opportunities in the third period, but the goalies, Frankel and Philips, stood strong. The second period was particularly eventful, with five goals scored to tie the game 3-3 after two periods.
Ottawa initially took a 2-0 lead in the second period, but Boston quickly responded with three goals in just over a minute to take a 3-2 lead. However, Ottawa fought back and tied the game at 3-3 in the third period, eventually securing the win in double overtime.
The Charge’s journey to the final was marked by intense gameplay and key performances, setting the stage for an exciting Walter Cup Final match.