Rebecca Leslie’s Late Goal Propels Charge Past Victoire in Walter Cup Final

In a thrilling showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Rebecca Leslie netted the decisive goal with just 56 seconds remaining, leading the Ottawa Charge to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Montreal Victoire. This win not only showcased Leslie’s clutch performance but also set the stage for a pivotal Game 4 in the best-of-five Walter Cup Final, now with the Victoire holding a 2-1 series lead.

The excitement in Ottawa was palpable as the Charge sought to battle back against a Montreal squad that had already claimed two overtime victories at home. Leslie’s game-winner came after she capitalized on a rebound from teammate Sarah Wozniewicz, firing the puck through a crowded crease to find the back of the net. Despite a challenge from the Victoire for a potential missed stoppage in play, the goal was upheld following a lengthy review, igniting a playoff record crowd of 16,894 into a frenzy.

Earlier in the contest, the Victoire struck first, with Maureen Murphy’s shot ricocheting off the back boards at 7:32 of the third period. Hayley Scamurra was quick to react, seizing the rebound and beating Ottawa goaltender Gwyneth Philips, who made 27 saves throughout the game. However, the Charge refused to back down, tying the game with just 5:30 left in regulation when Peyton Hemp found a loose puck and managed to slip it past a sprawling Ann-Renee Desbiens for her first goal of the postseason.

The third period began with promise for Ottawa, starting on the power play but only managing a single shot. Both teams exchanged opportunities, with Hemp testing Desbiens at the side of the net and Montreal’s Kaitlin Willoughby attempting to score from close range. After a scoreless first two periods, the intensity ramped up, culminating in a dramatic finish that sets the stage for an exciting Game 4 on Wednesday in Ottawa.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.