The Ottawa Charge continued their remarkable mid-season surge on Friday night, securing their fifth consecutive victory with a hard-fought 4-2 win over the visiting Vancouver Goldeneyes at TD Place.
A Streak That Changes Everything
Entering the game tied for the fewest points in the Professional Women's Hockey League, the Charge's latest triumph has dramatically altered the playoff landscape. The win, witnessed by 7,889 fans, propelled Ottawa into a tie for the league's fourth and final postseason berth. This marks a stunning reversal of fortune for a team that was once mired at the bottom of the standings.
Goaltender Gwyneth Philips provided a steady presence in net for Ottawa, while her Vancouver counterpart, Kristen Campbell, faced a busier night, particularly during a second period where the Charge carried the play. Ottawa finished the game with a slight 25-24 edge in shots.
Savolainen's Offensive Spark
The game's opening goal came from an unlikely source, showcasing the evolving game of defender Ronja Savolainen. The 28-year-old from Helsinki, Finland, a second-round pick in 2024, has openly aimed to become a more complete two-way threat this season.
"I want to be a player that people trust, that when I go out there, I'm a dangerous player," Savolainen said earlier in the year, referencing her background as a forward until age 16. Her offensive instincts were on full display midway through the first period. She followed the play into the Vancouver zone and buried a rebound after Campbell stopped rookie Peyton Hemp's initial shot, scoring her second goal of the season.
That goal stood as the game's only marker until the third period, when Anna Meixner doubled Ottawa's lead just past the five-minute mark, also notching her second of the campaign.
Sealing the Victory
Vancouver refused to go quietly. Defender Sophie Jaques broke Philips' shutout bid with 8:47 remaining in regulation, injecting late drama into the contest.
Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner appeared to seal the deal with an empty-net goal from long range—her sixth of the season—with just 1:25 left on the clock. However, the Goldeneyes' Michelle Karvinen scored 23 seconds later to pull her team back within one. The Charge finally put the game to bed when Rebecca Leslie scored on a breakaway into the vacant net with only 23 seconds remaining, securing the 4-2 final.
The season series between the two teams now stands at two wins for Ottawa and one for Vancouver. The Charge previously won 5-1 at home on November 26, while the Goldeneyes took a 2-1 decision in Vancouver on December 16. The teams will meet for a final time this regular season on March 14 in Vancouver.
With this fifth straight win, the Ottawa Charge have emphatically announced they are no longer a basement dweller but a legitimate contender fighting for a PWHL playoff spot.
