Ottawa Charge Celebrate Indigenous Heritage Night with a Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Minnesota Frost

The Ottawa Charge took to the ice on Tuesday night at TD Place with more than just a victory on their minds. It was the league’s inaugural Indigenous Heritage Night, a game designed to celebrate and honor the culture and history of Indigenous peoples. The night was an overwhelming success, not just for the team’s 3-2 win over the Minnesota Frost, but for its emphasis on the importance of cultural awareness, community, and the role of Indigenous athletes in shaping the future of the sport.

Courtesy of the PWHL

Before the puck even dropped, the Ottawa Charge players arrived in style, each sporting exclusive team shirts designed by a local Indigenous artist. The shirts featured intricate Indigenous artwork and this thoughtful gesture set the tone for what would be an unforgettable evening.

Two Charge players, Victoria Bach and Jocelyne Larocque, were particularly proud to be part of this historic occasion. Both women have Indigenous roots, and they shared the emotional significance of this night, reflecting on what it means to be Indigenous women in hockey and the role they play as role models for younger generations.

“Obviously being Indigenous, this game means a lot to us,” said Bach. “I’m really excited and hope to put on a good show today.” Her teammate, Larocque, echoed her sentiment and spoke about how their shared heritage had brought them closer as friends. “It’s something that unites us, that connects us, and we’re both very proud of our heritage and where we come from,” she said. “It’s definitely made our friendship closer.”

The two also spoke about their commitment to inspiring the next generation of Indigenous youth. Larocque delivered a powerful message to fans: “It’s important to celebrate and bring awareness to the history. It’s important to be proud and celebrate each other.” Bach added, emphasizing the importance of honoring the Indigenous peoples that came before them, declaring, “It’s going to be a special night.”

The evening was also filled with thrilling hockey action as the Charge came out with a strong performance, capturing a 3-2 victory over the Frost. The game also included Alexa Vasko scoring her first two goals as a member of the Charge, including the game-winning goal in the final moments.

It was Charge captain Brianne Jenner who set the tone early, scoring her second power play goal of the season late in the first period to give Ottawa a 1-0 lead. The Charge extended that lead in the second period when Vasko scored her first goal of the season, making it 2-0 at 13:41.

Courtesy of the PWHL

However, the Minnesota Frost weren’t going to back down easily. They showed a fierce comeback in the third period, scoring twice to tie the game. Taylor Heise opened the scoring for the Frost, and Claire Thompson quickly followed suit, tying the game at 2-2 with a shot past Ottawa’s goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer at 13:18.

Unfortunately, Maschmeyer was forced to leave the game due to injury, and backup Gwyneth Philips entered the net. Despite being thrown into a high-pressure situation, Philips stood strong, making a key save to keep the game tied. Then, with just over four minutes left, an exciting play by Ottawa’s Ronja Savolainen set up Vasko for a breakaway, firing the puck past Maddie Rooney to give the Charge a 3-2 lead.

Philips, who only faced two shots in her short time on the ice, was credited with the win, her third of the season. Maschmeyer, who had previously made 19 saves, including the 1,000th of her career, was named a key contributor in the win. On the other side, Frost goalie Maddie Rooney stopped 16 of 19 shots, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Ottawa’s dramatic late-game surge.

As the final whistle blew, the Charge’s victory marked a season-high three-game home winning streak, pushing them within five points of Minnesota and Boston in the league standings.

Tuesday night’s game was not just about hockey; it was about raising awareness, celebrating Indigenous culture, and showing that the sport can be a platform for important societal conversations. The Ottawa Charge did just that, making the game a true testament to the power of sport in uniting and honoring communities.

For Victoria Bach, Jocelyne Larocque, and all of the players involved, it was more than just a game. It was a night to remember, both for hockey and the history it celebrated.

Edited by Breanna Ebisch