Ottawa Charge storm into Walter Cup Final after thrilling double-OT win
The Ottawa Charge have secured their place in the Walter Cup Final for the second year running. A dramatic 4-3 double-overtime victory against the Boston Fleet sealed the best-of-five semifinal series in four games. Michela Cava’s decisive goal at 1:12 of the second overtime sent Ottawa through to the championship round. Ottawa started the series with a loss but stormed back to win the next three matches. The Charge’s offence came from Sarah Wozniewicz, Rebecca Leslie, Brooke Hobson, and Cava, who each found the net. Cava’s winner came after she redirected a Katerina Mrazova shot past Boston’s goaltender.
The Boston Fleet fought hard, with Shay Maloney, Megan Keller, and Sophie Shirley all scoring. But Ottawa’s Gwyneth Philips stood firm in goal, making 43 saves to keep her team in contention. Aerin Frankel, Boston’s netminder, stopped 29 shots in a losing effort. Last season, Ottawa fell short in the final against the Minnesota Frost. This time, they will face the winner of the Montreal Victoire-Frost series, which will be decided in Monday’s Game 5.
The Charge now prepare for another shot at the Walter Cup title. Their semifinal victory marks a strong comeback after dropping the opening game of the series. The final opponent will be confirmed once Montreal and the Frost conclude their decider.
