
Minnesota Frost Clinches Second Consecutive Walter Cup in Thrilling Overtime Win!
2025-05-27
Author: William
A Spectacular Victory in St. Paul
In an exhilarating showdown on May 26, 2025, the Minnesota Frost captured their second consecutive Walter Cup title, defeating the Ottawa Charge 2-1 in overtime during Game 4 of the highly anticipated PWHL Finals, presented by Scotiabank.
Overtime Heroics! Liz Schepers Shines Again
With a roaring audience of 11,024 fans at the Xcel Energy Center, Liz Schepers emerged as the hero once more, scoring the championship-winning goal for the second straight year. After a tense first period that concluded scoreless, Minnesota finally took the lead with a goal from Kelly Pannek midway through the second period.
However, the Charge battled back fiercely. Tereza Vanišová leveled the score in the closing moments of the third period, forcing yet another overtime in the nail-biting series. It took 12 grueling minutes of extra play before Schepers sealed the victory, catapulting the Frost to glory.
Record-Breaking Goalie and Proud MVP!
Maddie Rooney stood tall, making 33 saves, and tying the PWHL record for most postseason wins. She has now won five consecutive playoff games, equalizing the legendary record held by Boston's Aerin Frankel.
Ottawa’s Gwyneth Philips, however, was also a standout player, receiving the prestigious Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award. She boasted an impressive 1.23 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage throughout the playoffs, leading her team with four wins, including a shutout.
A Home Win for the First Time!
This championship victory was particularly sweet for the Frost, as it marked the first time they lifted the trophy in front of their home fans. Last season's triumph occurred on the road at Boston’s Tsongas Center, making this year’s celebration even more memorable.
Emotional Reflections from Players and Coaches
In reflecting on their playoff success, goalkeeper Maddie Rooney stressed the importance of team spirit: "Our strong culture and belief in one another pushed us through tough moments, ultimately leading to our success in this series."
Head Coach Ken Klee expressed gratitude for the incredible fan support: "Winning in front of over 10,000 fans on a holiday was monumental. Our fans displayed remarkable class in cheering for everyone, including Gwyneth Philips."
On the other side, Ottawa's Gwyneth Philips reacted humbly to her MVP win, stating: "The individual accolade means little compared to our desire for the championship. This was such a close series." meanwhile, Coach Carla MacLeod praised her team’s resilience through a challenging playoff run.
Stunning Stats and Standouts
Maddie Rooney’s postseason stats were impressive; she achieved over 30 saves in three consecutive games, while Lee Stecklein led the playoff scoring with eight points. The opportunistic Liz Schepers bagged her second postseason goal, which proved pivotal, while George’s five points positioned Emily Clark as the leading scorer from Ottawa.
Celebrate the Moment! Championship Gear Available Now!
Fans can continue the celebration by grabbing exclusive championship gear at the Official Shop of the PWHL, which includes the Official Championship Hat by New Era and limited-edition memorabilia!
Notable Game Summary and Stats
In a recap of the captivating match: - **Final Score**: Ottawa 1 - Minnesota 2 (OT) - **Shots on Goal**: Ottawa 34 - Minnesota 38 - **Attendance**: 11,024 As the Minnesota Frost celebrated their hard-fought victory, they not only claimed the Walter Cup but also solidified their place in PWHL history with their thrilling performance this season!