In a thrilling Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) matchup on Tuesday night, the Ottawa Charge mounted a dramatic comeback to secure a 4-3 overtime victory against the Toronto Sceptres. The game, played on December 23, 2025, was decided by forward Mannon Leslie, who netted two crucial goals, including the game-winner in extra time.
Leslie Leads the Charge in Comeback Effort
The Ottawa Charge found themselves in a challenging position early in the contest, trailing their provincial rivals. However, the team's resilience shone through as they battled back to tie the game and force overtime. The hero of the night was undoubtedly Mannon Leslie, whose offensive prowess was on full display. Her second goal of the game, scored during the three-on-three overtime period, sealed the hard-fought win for Ottawa and sent her team home with two critical points in the standings.
Intense Rivalry on Display in Toronto
The game was a physical and fast-paced affair from the opening puck drop. Action from the first period captured by THE CANADIAN PRESS showed Ottawa's Mannon McMahon engaged in a fierce battle for the puck along the boards with Toronto defenders Ella Shelton (wearing #17) and Savannah Harmon (#15). This intensity set the tone for the entire contest, highlighting the growing rivalry between these two Canadian franchises in the PWHL's early seasons.
Significance of the Victory
This overtime triumph represents more than just a single win for the Ottawa Charge. It demonstrates the team's character and ability to perform under pressure, especially against a formidable opponent like the Toronto Sceptres. Come-from-behind victories are pivotal for team morale and can serve as a turning point in a season. For the Sceptres, it's a tough loss after holding a lead, and it will force the team to examine its ability to close out games against top competition.
The result from December 23, 2025, adds another exciting chapter to the PWHL's brief history and promises to fuel the competitive fire for the next meeting between these two teams. Fans in both cities can look forward to more high-stakes, entertaining hockey as the league continues to grow and captivate audiences across the nation.
