Minnesota Claims Back-to-Back Championships
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Frost secured their second consecutive Walter Cup title with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over the Ottawa Charge in Game 4 of the PWHL Finals, presented by Scotiabank.
Schepers Delivers Another Championship-Winning Goal
For the second straight year, Liz Schepers played the role of overtime hero, scoring the title-winning goal and sending the roaring crowd of 11,024 fans at Xcel Energy Center into celebration.
- First Period: No scoring.
- Second Period: Minnesota grabbed its first lead of the series with a goal from Kelly Pannek at 10:10.
- Third Period: Tereza Vanišová tied the game at 10:09, forcing overtime for the fourth straight game in the Finals.
- Overtime: Schepers sealed the win at 12:00.
Maddie Rooney was outstanding between the pipes, making 33 saves in her fifth consecutive playoff win, tying Boston’s Aerin Frankel’s record for most victories in a single postseason (2024 Playoffs).
Gwyneth Philips Earns Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Honors
Despite Ottawa falling short, rookie goaltender Gwyneth Philips received the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award, becoming the first netminder and first player from the losing team to earn the honor.
Philips’ Playoff Performance:
- 1.23 GAA .952 SV% (best among all playoff goalies)
- 4-0 record in regulation
- One shutout
- 33 saves in Game 4
Frost Celebrate Historic Home Championship
Minnesota hoisted the Walter Cup in front of their home fans for the first time, after last season’s win was secured on the road at Tsongas Center in Boston.
- Regular Season: Minnesota clinched the fourth and final playoff spot on the final day, finishing tied with Ottawa at 44 points.
- Semifinals: The Frost defeated Toronto 3-1 to earn a Finals berth.
- Finals: Ottawa won Game 1, but Minnesota secured three consecutive overtime victories to claim the championship.
Championship Merchandise Now Available
Fans can shop the Championship Collection at the official PWHL store, including:
- Official Championship Hat (by New Era)
- Locker Room Tee (by Royalty)
- Fan-favorite apparel
- Limited-edition Championship puck
Postgame Quotes
Frost Goaltender Maddie Rooney
“Our team culture and belief in one another carried us all season. The grit we showed after losing Game 1, our attack mentality, and trusting the process made all the difference.”
Minnesota Head Coach Ken Klee
“Winning in front of our fans was incredible. To have over 10,000 people come out on a holiday to support our team was outstanding. Even when Gwyneth Philips was announced as MVP, the fans cheered for her—showing the class and passion of our hockey community.”
Ottawa Goaltender Gwyneth Philips
“The individual honor is overshadowed by the team loss—we wanted that win badly. My accomplishments belong to the players in front of me. Maybe tomorrow, I’ll appreciate it more.”
Ottawa Head Coach Carla MacLeod
“This group embraced the playoff grind—we played so much hockey in such a short time. Every game in this series went to overtime, but we never let it phase us. The heart and effort our players gave every game was remarkable.”
Key Stats & Notable Performances
Rooney’s Playoff Excellence
- 30+ saves in three consecutive games (a career first).
- Finished third in GAA (1.75) and SV% (.932), behind Philips and Ann-Renée Desbiens (.943).
Philips Sets PWHL Playoff Record
- 635:25 total minutes in the postseason (surpassing Aerin Frankel’s 580:58 from 2024).
Stecklein Leads All Playoff Scorers
- 8 points (4G, 4A) in eight games—first defenseman to lead playoff scoring.
Minnesota’s Offensive Depth Shines
- Nine Frost players scored multiple postseason goals (Ottawa had only three).
- Claire Thompson recorded six assists, tying for most in the playoffs.
- Kelly Pannek’s second playoff goal made her one of Minnesota’s nine multi-goal scorers.
Ottawa’s Playoff Streaks
- All eight of Ottawa’s playoff games were decided by one goal—a PWHL record.
- Five of Ottawa’s postseason games went to overtime.
Final Scoresheet Recap
Game 4 – May 26, 2025
🏆 Minnesota 2, Ottawa 1 (OT)
| Period | Ottawa | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0 | 0 |
| 2nd | 0 | 1 (Pannek, 10:10) |
| 3rd | 1 (Vanišová, 10:09) | 0 |
| OT | 0 | 1 (Schepers, 12:00) |
📊 Shots on Goal:
- Ottawa: 34 (12-11-7-4)
- Minnesota: 38 (12-14-10-2)
🔹 Power Play Opportunities:
- Ottawa: 0/2
- Minnesota: 0/2
🧤 Goaltenders:
- Ottawa – Philips: 38 shots, 36 saves
- Minnesota – Rooney: 34 shots, 33 saves
🏟 Attendance: 11,024
Three Stars of the Game
⭐ Liz Schepers (MIN) – GWG
⭐ Maddie Rooney (MIN) – 33 saves
⭐ Kelly Pannek (MIN) – 1G
🏆 Series Result: Minnesota wins 3-1
