Walter Cup Finals: A Thrilling Game 3
OTTAWA – Kori Cheverie, the head coach of the Montreal Victoire, anticipated the challenges ahead as her team approached the crucial moment in the Walter Cup Finals. “I fully expected the third win to be the toughest one to attain,” she remarked after her squad extended their series lead to 2-0. “Our focus now is entirely on that. The players can celebrate for now, but once the game starts tonight with the Habs, it’s all business from there.”
Game Highlights
In an exciting Game 3 of the best-of-five series, the Walter Cup trophy was on the verge of being presented to the Victoire, just moments away from being brought out during the event. However, facing a pivotal situation, the Ottawa Charge made a dramatic comeback in the dying minutes of the game. They scored two goals in the last 5:30 of play to edge out Montreal 2-1 and keep their championship hopes alive.
The intense match remained scoreless for nearly 50 minutes as goaltenders Ann-Renée Desbiens and Gwyneth Philips each stood strong, redirecting over 40 shots during the contest. After Ottawa successfully killed off a crucial third power play for Montreal, Victoire’s Hayley Scamurra took control, carried the puck into the offensive zone, and assisted Maureen Murphy before crashing the net. As Murphy’s shot ricocheted off the boards, Scamurra – generally known for her defensive skills – seized the opportunity and scored the first goal of the night.
Shortly afterward, rookie forward Peyton Hemp responded for Ottawa, leveling the score with her inaugural playoff goal. With only 54 seconds left in the game, Rebecce Leslie, who leads the league in playoff scoring, netted the decisive goal to secure the victory for the Charge.
Attendance and Next Game
The Canadian Tire Centre was roaring, with an impressive attendance of 16,894, marking it as the largest crowd recorded for any playoff game in the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). The teams will clash again in Game 4, scheduled for Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET at the same venue. This story will continue to be updated as the series progresses.
Originally published by The Athletic.
