The Ottawa Charge finally found a reason to celebrate, snapping a frustrating four-game losing streak with a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory against the two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost on Sunday.
Rookie Delivers in the Clutch
The hero of the day was rookie forward Sarah Wozniewicz. At 3:55 of the extra frame, the third-round draft pick from Cochrane, Alberta, fired a shot from the high slot that deflected off a defender's stick and sailed over the shoulder of Minnesota goaltender Nicole Hensley. The goal was Wozniewicz's first as a professional and delivered a crucial two points for the struggling Charge.
A Hard-Fought Battle in Chicago
The game, part of the PWHL's Takeover Tour, was played at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, drawing a crowd of 7,238 fans. Ottawa opened the scoring in the first period on Ronja Savolainen's first goal of the season. The teams traded goals in the second, with Britta Curl-Salemme tying it for Minnesota before Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner replied with her third of the year to restore the lead.
Minnesota pushed hard in the third, outshooting Ottawa significantly, and were rewarded when Mae Batherson—younger sister of Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson—scored her first of the season to force overtime. Minnesota finished the game with a commanding 43-25 advantage in shots on goal, but Charge netminder Gwyneth Philips was stellar to keep her team in contention.
What the Win Means
The victory provides a massive morale boost for the last-place Charge, improving their record to 1-1-0-5 and giving them five points in the standings. It also makes them the first PWHL team to secure a win in Chicago this season. Meanwhile, the Frost remain near the top of the eight-team league, tied for third with 10 points (3-0-1-2).
The game marked the 11th time in 17 meetings between Ottawa and Minnesota that has been decided by a single goal, highlighting the tight rivalry.
The Charge now look to build on this momentum as they conclude a five-game road trip with a visit to Toronto to face the Sceptres on Tuesday. Their first game back after the Christmas break will be at TD Place in Ottawa against the first-place Boston Fleet next Saturday at noon.
