This past weekend, Sidney Morin's stellar performance on Minor Hockey Day propelled the Boston Fleet to a 2-1 overtime victory over the Ottawa Charge at TD Place, snapping Ottawa’s three-game win streak in front of a sold-out crowd of 8,295 fans.
Courtesy of the PWHL
The game was a tight affair from the opening puck drop, with both teams battling through a defensive first period. The Charge struck first when Victoria Bach found the back of the net at 6:48, with assists from Jocelyne Larocque and Ashton Bell. However, just under 10 minutes later, Morin tied the game for Boston, scoring her first goal of the season with 4:05 left in the first. The goal, assisted by Jessica DiGirolamo and Alina Müller, pulled the Fleet even at 1-1.
As the game progressed, both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm, with Boston managing just 21 shots and Ottawa matching them with 21 of their own. The game wasn’t without drama, as a potential Boston goal by Hannah Bilka in the second period was reviewed for a possible kicking motion. The goal was disallowed after a video review, keeping the score tied at 1-1. The second period passed without scoring, and the third saw no change on the scoreboard either. The Fleet’s fourth consecutive game heading to extra time – and their second game against Ottawa decided by a single goal – was destined for overtime.
And it was Morin who once again delivered for Boston. Less than two minutes into the 3-on-3 overtime period, Morin netted her second goal of the game, a high shot after a fantastic forecheck by teammates Shay Maloney and Hannah Brandt. Brandt found Morin in the slot for the game-winning goal at 1:45, handing Boston the 2-1 win.
Aerin Frankel was solid in net for the Fleet, stopping 20 of 21 shots, while Ottawa’s Gwyneth Philips, making just her second career start, recorded 19 saves on 21 shots. Despite the loss, Philips earned praise for her poise under pressure, especially in front of the large crowd.
Courtesy of the PWHL
“We knew today was going to be a little bit of a grind, and I’m just really proud of the players for leaving it all on the ice for each other,” said Fleet Head Coach Courtney Kessel, reflecting on the team’s road-weary performance.
Morin herself was quick to credit her teammates for the key plays that set up her game-winning goal. “Obviously a great forecheck by Shay and Hannah out there,” Morin explained. “I was kind of hanging back, just seeing what was going to happen. They made a great play down low, got the puck back, and Hannah found me for the second time.”
For Ottawa, the loss ended their three-game regulation win streak, but there were still notable performances, including a strong debut by Gwyneth Philips. Charge Head Coach Carla MacLeod was impressed by the young goaltender's confidence: “She was great. You can feel her confidence in front of that net. She gives that confidence through the players and through the bench."
Bach, who scored Ottawa’s only goal, also reflected on her first game back in Ottawa since being acquired in the trade with Toronto. “I woke up this morning with butterflies like a little kid going to their first hockey game. Honestly, it was amazing to play in front of that crowd,” said Bach, who scored her first goal as a Charge and has now registered points in consecutive games.
The Charge are back at home on Tuesday, January 14 where they will look to bounce back as they host Toronto.
Edited by Breanna Ebisch
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