Ottawa Charge Secure Final PWHL Playoff Berth with 3-0 Shutout Victory Over Toronto Sceptres

The Ottawa Charge clinched the final playoff spot in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with a decisive 3-0 victory over the Toronto Sceptres at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The win secured Ottawa’s second postseason appearance and eliminated Toronto from playoff contention for the second consecutive year.

Goaltender Gwyneth Philips was instrumental in the shutout, stopping all 41 shots she faced. Her performance earned her the first star of the game and proved crucial as the Charge held off a late push from the Sceptres, who needed a regulation win to leapfrog Ottawa in the standings.

Ottawa’s offense was led by Fanuza Kadirova, Sarah Wozniewicz and Alexa Vasko, each finding the back of the net. The breakthrough came early in the third period when Toronto’s Kali Flanagan turned over the puck at her own blue line. Charge captain Brianne Jenner capitalized on the mistake, feeding Wozniewicz for a backhand goal that extended Ottawa’s lead to 2-0 just 1:03 into the final frame.

Raygan Kirk made 29 saves for Toronto in a losing effort. Despite outshooting Ottawa in several periods, the Sceptres were unable to solve Philips, who preserved the shutout with key saves throughout the game.

The victory sets up a first-round matchup for Ottawa, who will await the outcome of other series to learn whether they will face the Boston Fleet or the Montreal Victoire in the Walter Cup Playoffs. The Charge will hold home-ice advantage for any potential series, with playoff games scheduled to commence at the Canadian Tire Centre.

For Toronto, the loss marks the end of a disappointing season that fell short of postseason aspirations. The Sceptres had entered the game needing a win in regulation to pass Ottawa in the standings but were unable to generate enough offense to overcome Philips and the Charge’s defensive structure.

The game underscored Ottawa’s resilience down the stretch, as they secured their playoff berth on the final day of the regular season through a combination of strong goaltending, timely scoring, and disciplined play in their own zone.