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You’ve probably heard these words one too many times in hockey… “it all comes down to this.” Sometimes that feels like an exaggeration. But in April 25th’s Ottawa Charge vs. Toronto Sceptres game, it was reality. A win for either team would clinch the 4th and final spot in the PWHL Walter Cup Playoffs.
The Charge took full advantage of the ‘do or die’ mentality and topped the Sceptres 3-0, with goalie Gwyneth Philips stopping all 41 shots fired her way. Beyond her team’s impressive performance, however, was the sense of community and excitement that the PWHL has been showing all season.
With their win, the Charge announced that they would be hosting their playoff games in Canadian Tire Centre, home of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators. They played their regular season games at TD Place, which seats about 8,500 fans. Canadian Tire Centre seats about 18,600—the almost 10,000 seat addition proves that excitement for women’s hockey is real, and that Ottawa and other cities are ready to show up for the PWHL.
The Final Spot
Similar to the last two seasons, the final day of the regular season in the PWHL featured the Battle of Ontario. Unlike previous years, however, this one determined who was going home, and who was continuing their season.
Fanuza Kadirova got things started early for the Charge in the first period, and from there her team dominated. The early lead allowed for some breathing room, and though the Sceptres put up a good fight, they were unable to beat goalie Gwyneth Philips.
This allowed the Charge to add goals from Sarah Wozniewicz and Alexa Vasko to secure their playoff berth and blank the Sceptres 3-0.
Gwyneth Philips’ 41 saves was more than enough to win her the star of the game, but she didn’t want to take any credit for herself. “Just seeing my teammates work hard pushes me to work hard,” she said. Captain Brianne Jenner had a different sentiment, noting that “we have a chance [to win] in every single game with Gwyn back there.”
In fact, Jenner had love for more than just her team in the playoff clinching game. “The energy in the building when we were getting close to closing it out—to get that done in front of our fans, it was really, really special,” she said after the game. “This will be one to remember for a while.”
“Just seeing my teammates work hard pushes me to work hard.”
The Demand
The sold out crowd at TD Place on Saturday’s game was louder than ever before because fans knew what was on the line, too. Ottawa fans have made it no secret this season that they’re willing to show up for their team—the Charge made franchise history in the 2025-2026 season by surpassing 100,000 fans in attendance throughout the regular season for the first time.
In a season that has seen many attendance records, this was to be expected. The Charge have played in many sold out Takeover Tour games, and have seen firsthand how loud, large arenas like Canadian Tire Centre or Scotiabank Arena can feel.
Everyone watches women’s hockey, and this season, Ottawa has been feeling the love from their fans.
Canadian Tire Centre is about a 10,000 seat increase from TD Place, and Charge fans are sure to pack the building. Sellouts come with playoff hockey, but they also point to the immense fanbase the Charge have, and proves the viability of not only Ottawa’s team but of the league in general. Expanding to a larger, NHL sized arena, is a step in the right direction for the PWHL, and reminds us all how the PWHL and its popularity is only going to keep increasing.
“The energy in the building when we were getting close to closing it out—to get that done in front of our fans, it was really, really special.”
The Road Ahead
The PWHL is unique in that it allows teams to pick their opponents—the highest seeded team can pick who they want to play in the semi finals, subsequently selecting the other semi-final series as well. This year, the Montreal Victorie (#1) chose to face the Minnesota Frost (#3), meaning the fourth-ranked Charge will play the Boston Fleet (#2).
After making the playoffs for the first time last season, the Charge lost three games in a row in overtime to the Minnesota Frost (who would go on to win the Walter Cup), subsequently ending their run before it really even started. They have learned from their mistakes, and this season, are looking to impress the fans in Canadian Tire Centre with a deep playoff run.
“Playoffs [are] hard,” Brianne Jenner said to the media after her team clinched their spot in the playoffs. “[But] we’re looking forward to taking that experience and making the most of it.”
All the fans ready to show up at Canadian Tire Centre are, too. In only their third year of operation, there are still a few things to work out around the playoffs, but the Charge have made it clear that they deserve to be there, and that they’re going to make it worth it to the many fans who have helped propel and drive them throughout the season.
