The Ottawa Charge secured their first win of the season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL home opener at TD Place on Tuesday night.
A two-goal surge in the third period proved to be the difference, as Tereza Vanišová played a key role in both goals. First, she set up Jincy Roese for a power play goal at 5:42 to tie the game at 2-2. Just minutes later, Vanišová found the back of the net herself, lifting the crowd of 6,451 to their feet with a goal that would stand as the game-winner.
Courtesy of Kailey Sauve
Ottawa rookie Mannon McMahon opened the scoring in the first period with her first career goal, assisted by Alexa Vasko and Michaela Tejralová at 6:08. However, the Sceptres quickly answered, with Sarah Nurse scoring on a power play late in the first to tie things up at 1-1.
In the second period, Toronto took the lead when Izzy Daniel netted her first career goal, assisted by Nurse and Caroline Bernard. But Ottawa’s third-period surge proved too much for the visitors, who had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds. However, Charge goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer stood her ground to deny the Sceptres’ efforts and secure the win.
In the post game press conference, McMahon, reflecting on her milestone goal, said, “It was a surprise, almost. I was just going out there, doing my job. I got a nice pass from (Alexa Vasko) and found myself alone with the goalie. It was amazing. It was a team win today, so it was nice to be part of that.”
Courtesy of Kailey Sauve
The game also marked a special moment for Ottawa native Rebecca Leslie, who played her first game on home ice for the Charge. The evening was further elevated by the presence of superfan Debbie Harrison, who travelled from Toronto to support Toronto and the league.
Charge Head Coach, Carla MacLeod, spoke about her team’s competitiveness, noting, “I think every team in this league is so highly competitive. I don’t think there’s an advantage over one team or another. I don’t think we’ve got anything special over Toronto. I always think there’s a natural excitement when we play Toronto. That’s part of the vibe.”
The Charge’s stars of the game were Emily Clark and Tereza Vanišová, who helped lead the team to victory in a tightly contested matchup.
Ottawa will look to build on this win as they prepare for their next game on Friday, December 6, against the Montréal at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Edited by Breanna Ebisch
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