CALGARY — Claire Dalton delivered the decisive moment in front of one of the largest crowds in Professional Women's Hockey League history, scoring just 57 seconds into the third period to lift the Toronto Sceptres to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Charge on Wednesday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
The game was part of the PWHL's Takeover Tour, a travelling showcase designed to bring elite women's hockey to passionate fans across Canada — and Calgary delivered in a big way, with 16,150 spectators filling the Saddledome to cheer on the action.
Dalton's goal, her first in the PWHL, proved to be the game-winner. The defenceman also picked up an assist on Maggie Connors' opening tally in the first period, making it a memorable two-point night. Connors returned the favour, setting up Dalton's decisive strike in the third. Captain Blayre Turnbull was a force throughout, registering assists on both Toronto goals to anchor the Sceptres' offence.
Ottawa briefly levelled the score when Fanuza Kadirova found the back of the net late in the first period, knotting the game at one heading into the intermission. But Toronto's goaltender Raygan Kirk was sharp when it counted, turning aside 28 of 29 shots to backstop the win.
Gwyneth Philips was equally solid in the Ottawa crease, stopping 22 shots, but the Charge couldn't solve Kirk in the final frame.
The victory moves Toronto past Ottawa into fourth place in the PWHL standings, adding meaningful playoff positioning implications to what was already a marquee night for women's hockey in Calgary.
What's Next
The two clubs are set to meet again quickly, with Toronto hosting Ottawa on Saturday, April 11, giving the Charge an opportunity for revenge on home ice.
Source: Lethbridge Herald. Original reporting by Chad Twair.