The Toronto Sceptres Shine in Thrilling Overtime Victory Against the Ottawa Charge

A Historic Stage for Women’s Hockey

Sunday’s game at Rogers Place in Edmonton marked a milestone for the Toronto Sceptres, as they took to the ice for their third appearance in an NHL-sized arena this season. Despite their recent three-game win streak, the team faced a daunting challenge in the Ottawa Charge. Playing in front of a sold-out crowd, the Sceptres struggled early but ultimately emerged victorious in a 3-2 overtime thriller. The game was part of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) “Takeover Tour,” a series of neutral-site games designed to showcase the league’s talent in iconic arenas. For the Sceptres, the opportunity to play in such a historic venue was both exhilarating and inspiring. “This is such a cool experience for all of us,” said forward Daryl Watts. “It’s not every day that you get to play in an NHL rink, especially this one—it’s so beautiful. It was electric.”

A Slow Start and a Gritty Comeback

The game began poorly for Toronto. Ottawa’s Gabbie Hughes scored on the first shot of the game, and the Charge dominated the opening period, outshooting the Sceptres 17-2. Toronto’s struggles were evident, but they found a way to regroup and fight back. The turning point came in the second period, where the Sceptres’ power play ignited. Watts scored her first goal of the game on a power-play opportunity, and Julia Gosling followed suit with another man-advantage marker late in the period. Gosling’s goal, which slipped through the pads of Ottawa goalie Emerance Maschmeyer, gave Toronto a much-needed spark heading into the third period.

Overtime Heroics and Defensive Brilliance

The third period saw the Charge tie the game at 2-2, thanks to a goal from Tereza Vanisova, who leads Ottawa with eight goals this season. Despite the setback, the Sceptres remained resilient. Just 51 seconds into overtime, Watts sealed the victory with a stunning wraparound goal, capping off a thrilling comeback. The win improved Toronto’s record to 6-2-4-6, while Ottawa dropped to 6-0-3-8. However, the game could have had a very different outcome if not for the stellar performance of Toronto goalie Raygan Kirk. After allowing the early goal, Kirk shut the door, making 33 saves and keeping her team in the game during their sluggish first period. “Kirky played really well,” said Toronto coach Troy Ryan. “She just looked confident in there. She was very solid and gave us a little time to get our legs under us.”

Emotions Run High in a Special Setting

For many players, the game was more than just another matchup—it was a chance to play in front of friends, family, and former coaches. Ottawa’s Emerance Maschmeyer, Danielle Serdachny, and Stephanie Markowski, all of whom have ties to the Edmonton area, described the game as a “home game.” Maschmeyer, who hails from nearby Bruderheim, reflected on the significance of the moment. “It’s truly a home game, in front of our friends and family and the coaches and the people we went to school with,” she said. Similarly, Serdachny shared that the team had to secure between 70 and 100 tickets for loved ones, highlighting just how personal this game was for the players. “We’re going to appreciate this moment far beyond this time, regardless of whether we won or lost,” Serdachny added.

A Growing Legacy for Women’s Hockey

The PWHL’s “Takeover Tour” continues to be a groundbreaking initiative, bringing elite women’s hockey to larger stages and capturing the attention of fans across the country. The Edmonton game was the fifth of nine such matchups scheduled for the 2024-25 season, and the sold-out crowd at Rogers Place was a testament to the growing interest in the sport. For players like Watts and Gosling, these opportunities are not just about the games themselves but about inspiring the next generation of female hockey players. As the Sceptres and the PWHL continue to make waves, moments like these serve as a reminder of the power of women’s hockey to unite communities and challenge the status quo.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

With their latest victory, the Toronto Sceptres remain one of the league’s top teams, and their resilience in the face of adversity is a key factor in their success. As the PWHL season progresses, all eyes will be on players like Daryl Watts, who is proving to be a standout talent, and on goalies like Raygan Kirk, whose performances are crucial in close games. Meanwhile, the league’s continued commitment to showcasing women’s hockey in iconic venues like Rogers Place is paving the way for a brighter future. For players, coaches, and fans alike, this game was a celebration of talent, perseverance, and the unwavering passion for the sport.