The Toronto Sceptres snapped their three-game losing streak with a crucial 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Charge at TD Place, ending their winless road run in the 2025 calendar year. In what has become one of the most intense rivalries in sports (Toronto vs Ottawa), the Sceptres managed to push past Ottawa in a game that featured multiple momentum shifts, strong individual performances, and some crucial late-game efforts.
The Charge struck first on a power play goal from rookie Mannon McMahon, who found the back of the net at 6:12 of the opening period. It was a welcome moment for Ottawa, who had been struggling with the power play (0/13 in their previous opportunities) but McMahon's goal, her second of the season, gave them a 1-0 lead. However, Toronto quickly responded. Just under six minutes later, Hannah Miller scored for the Sceptres, just as Ottawa’s second penalty of the period expired. The goal, which tied the game at 1-1, came off an assist from Sarah Nurse and Daryl Watts.
Courtesy of the PWHL
Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod reflected on her team's slow start, noting the lack of execution that would plague them throughout the night. “If we didn’t have Emerance Maschmeyer in net, we’re in trouble,” MacLeod said. “It’s that simple. These teams are so even, but we weren’t even tonight with Toronto. They outplayed us. They deserved that win.”
As the game moved into the second period, Toronto found their rhythm. At 8:46, Maggie Connors, who had been searching for her first goal of the season, finally broke through, putting Toronto up 2-1 with a precise shot past Maschmeyer. It was a huge moment for Connors, who had been pressing to contribute more offensively for her team. However, Ottawa’s Victoria Bach, recently acquired in a trade from Toronto, kept the Charge in the game, scoring the equalizer at 12:59. A fortunate bounce off her skate tied the game at 2-2, marking her fourth point in her last four games. “For us, it was just an execution piece,” MacLeod continued. “There’s a lack of energy in our feet, and then there’s a lack of execution.”
The third period saw Toronto capitalize on their momentum. Turnbull, the Sceptres' captain, took charge and gave Toronto the lead at 11:04, rifling a shot past Maschmeyer to make it 3-2. It was Turnbull's first career game-winning goal, and her eight shots on net led all players in the game. Kristen Campbell, who had made 22 saves on 24 shots, stood tall for Toronto, helping secure the lead. “I think they [the players] just got rewarded,” said Sceptres head coach Troy Ryan. “It still probably was 60 minutes of the whole roster playing the right way, so it’s just nice that they got rewarded on a night like that.”
Despite Ottawa pushing in the closing minutes, the Sceptres sealed the win with an empty-net goal from Emma Maltais at 18:02, assisted by Miller, for a 4-2 final score. The Sceptres had broken their streak of road misfortunes, earning their first victory away from home since last April.
Courtesy of the PWHL
Ottawa had their moments, particularly from Maschmeyer, who made 35 saves on 38 shots and kept the Charge in the contest, but the team struggled to maintain consistent energy and execution throughout the night. “We got it in the locker room and it’s going to all come together,” said McMahon, reflecting on the team’s performance. “There were bits and pieces of people making individual efforts tonight, but overall, I think we have what it takes. We just all need to come together at the same time, and we'll be in a good spot.”
The loss dropped Ottawa to 4-0-2-4 (14 points), keeping them in a tie for third place in the PWHL standings, while Toronto improved to 3-0-2-5, staying in sixth place. Ottawa had previously dominated the series, holding a 5-0-0-2 all-time record against Toronto, but the Sceptres' performance tonight suggests that this rivalry is only getting more intense. As MacLeod acknowledged, the two teams are closely matched, and the battles between them are likely to continue to be tightly contested.
The Charge now turn their attention to a road trip to Montréal on Sunday, Jan. 19, while the Sceptres will head to Boston on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Edited by Breanna Ebisch
Commentaires