The Ottawa Charge are poised to become the first Canadian team to lift the Walter Cup in the PWHL, but they face a daunting challenge against defending champions Minnesota Frost. The final series kicks off Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET at TD Place, where the Charge will rely on passionate home fans to help them overcome a Frost lineup brimming with offensive talent and blue line scoring threats.
Charge captain Brianne Jenner emphasized the importance of consistent effort: “We had to compete, shift in and shift out, in the Montreal series. That’s what it’s going to take.” Both teams earned their playoff spots on the final regular-season day and upset higher-seeded opponents to reach the finals—Minnesota outscored Toronto Sceptres 18-8 across four games, while Ottawa edged Montreal Victoire in a tightly contested 3-1 series.
Rookie goaltender Gwyneth Philips emerged as a key player for Ottawa, posting a league-best 1.14 goals against average and delivering clutch saves to stifle Montreal’s top scorers. Head coach Carla MacLeod praised Philips’s athleticism and mindset, crediting her performance for the Charge’s playoff success.
The Frost boast experienced leaders like captain Kendall Coyne Schofield, top scorer Taylor Heise, and defender Sophie Jaques, all of whom thrive in high-pressure moments. Minnesota head coach Ken Klee highlighted their leadership and depth, which helped them recover late in the season to defend their title.
With both teams battle-tested and hungry for the championship, the Walter Cup final promises to be a hard-fought showdown between Ottawa’s determination and Minnesota’s championship pedigree.
Source: Swifteradio.com
