Minnesota Frost Secures Back-to-Back PWHL Walter Cup Titles with Overtime Victory

In a nail-biting finish, Liz Schepers netted the game-winner 12 minutes into overtime, leading the Minnesota Frost to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Charge on Monday night, securing their second consecutive PWHL Walter Cup.

The best-of-five series was marked by intense competition, with each game extending into overtime and concluding with a 2-1 scoreline. Notably, Game 3 reached triple overtime, setting a record for the longest match in PWHL Finals history, as the teams collectively played 81 minutes and eight seconds of extra time.

This championship game took place exactly one year after Minnesota suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Boston in double overtime during Game 4, before rebounding to claim the inaugural Walter Cup on the road.

Katy Knoll's strategic play along the wall set up Schepers in front of the net. Although Ottawa's goaltender Gwyneth Philips managed to deflect the initial shot, Schepers capitalized on the rebound, sealing back-to-back titles for the Frost.

Maddie Rooney was instrumental in goal for Minnesota, recording an impressive 33 saves throughout the match.

However, Ottawa responded in the third period when Tereza Vanisova broke free in front of the net. Danielle Serdachny's assist from below the end line allowed Vanisova to score her first point of the postseason, despite leading Ottawa with 15 goals prior to this match.

Philips recorded 36 saves for Ottawa, showcasing her skills as a rookie with a total of 148 saves in overtime throughout the playoffs.

Overtime brought its own drama; Aneta Tejralova of Ottawa struck the left post with a shot just five minutes in, while Taylor Heise of the Frost mirrored that intensity by hitting the right post shortly thereafter.