The Ottawa Charge has given its fans an early holiday gift, climbing out of the Professional Women's Hockey League basement with its first-ever winning streak. The team's inspiring turnaround sets the stage for a major test against the PWHL's top club this weekend.
A Dramatic Comeback Caps a Perfect Road Trip
The streak was cemented with a remarkable 4-3 overtime victory over the Toronto Sceptres on Tuesday. The win was especially impressive as Ottawa found itself trailing 3-0 in the second period before mounting a furious four-goal rally. This triumph came just two days after a 3-2 overtime win against the defending champion Minnesota Frost in Chicago, part of the league's "Takeover Tour."
These back-to-back victories mark the first time the Charge has won consecutive games this season. The results have boosted the team's record to 1-2-0-5 (wins, OT wins, OT losses, losses), giving them eight points in the standings. This moves them one point ahead of the last-place New York Sirens.
Key Players Ignite the Rally
The comeback against Toronto was spearheaded by the team's top line. Rebecca Leslie, playing alongside captain Brianne Jenner and rookie Sarah Wozniewicz, scored the first goal to spark the charge and later netted the winner just 1:24 into the extra period.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Leslie told reporters, "I think for us at that point in the game, we were just trying to get pucks on the net. I was trying to do that in any way possible and hope for a rebound or a goal." She credited her linemates, adding, "Playing along with Brianne Jenner and Sarah Wozniewicz made it a lot of fun tonight and we're just excited to continue to build and grow as a team."
The middle markers in the comeback came from Gabbie Hughes, on a setup from Jenner, and rookie defender Brooke Hobson, who scored her first PWHL goal on a spectacular solo effort with just over 15 minutes left in regulation.
The Ultimate Test Awaits at TD Place
The Charge will now attempt to extend its winning streak to three games in what promises to be its toughest challenge yet. Ottawa hosts the Boston Fleet on Saturday at 12 p.m. at TD Place.
The Fleet has established itself as the class of the PWHL so far, accumulating 18 points from six regulation wins against just one loss. A victory for Ottawa against the league's top team, in the first game back after the short Christmas break, would be a massive statement. It would suddenly pull the Charge into a tie for second place with the Montreal Victoire and Toronto Sceptres.
While Ottawa would have played more games than those teams, climbing into that position would represent a significant turnaround for a squad that managed only one win in its first six outings. The momentum from their dramatic road victories has provided a surge of confidence just in time for the holiday season and the formidable task ahead.
