The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) continues its 2025-26 season with an intriguing interconference matchup between the Ottawa Charge and the Minnesota Frost. Ottawa, struggling to find consistency early in the campaign, seeks to snap a five-game winless streak against a Frost team that’s been one of the league’s surprises with strong goaltending and opportunistic scoring. As Minnesota looks to defend home ice and climb the standings, Ottawa aims to leverage its veteran depth for a road upset. With PWHL games often decided by one goal, expect a tight, physical battle focused on special teams and netminding in this Sunday matinee.
Venue Location
The game will be held at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This state-of-the-art arena, with a seating capacity of 17,954 for hockey, has been the primary home venue for the Minnesota Frost since the PWHL’s inception in 2024, providing a vibrant Midwest atmosphere and strong fan support for the home team.
Puck drops is scheduled for 12:00 PM CST (1:00 PM EST). The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports North for Frost fans, TSN in Canada, and available for streaming on the PWHL’s official platforms.
Injury Report
Ottawa Charge: Forward Victoria Bach (Out – Lower Body, placed on LTIR; expected return mid-January 2026). Forward Teresa Vanisova (Questionable – Upper Body, day-to-day after missing practice December 19). Defenseman Savannah Harmon (Out – Concussion protocol, sidelined since December 12). These absences thin Ottawa’s forward depth, forcing reliance on players like Hayley Scamurra for secondary scoring.
Minnesota Frost: Forward Grace Zumwinkle (Day-to-Day – Undisclosed, missed December 18 practice but expected to play). Forward Kelly Pannek (Out – Lower Body, on IR since December 10; reevaluation in late December). Defenseman Sophie Jaques (Questionable – Illness, game-time decision). Minnesota’s blue line remains intact, but forward injuries impact their checking lines.
Player Matchups
This interconference tilt features several compelling individual battles that could swing the game:
Hayley Scamurra (OTT, F) vs. Grace Zumwinkle (MIN, F): If Zumwinkle plays through her day-to-day issue (speed and scoring, 4 goals this season), she’ll test Scamurra’s checking (strong two-way play), a forward matchup for transition opportunities.
Rebecca Leslie (OTT, F) vs. Kelly Pannek (MIN, F): Leslie’s playmaking faces Pannek (out, lower body; replacement like Claire DeGeorge steps in), potentially deciding secondary scoring in the neutral zone.
Jincy Roese (OTT, D) vs. Sophie Jaques (MIN, D): Roese’s shutdown defense tests Jaques (questionable, illness; strong puck-moving if playing), a blue-line battle for zone exits.
Nicole Kosta (OTT, G) vs. Nicole Hensley (MIN, G): Kosta (expected starter; 2.75 GAA) vs. Hensley (solid season; 2.45 GAA, recent shutout), where Minnesota’s edge could limit Ottawa’s shots.
Minnesota’s depth gives them an advantage amid Ottawa’s injuries.
Team Records
Ottawa Charge: 1-0-0-5 (Wins-OT Wins-OT Losses-Losses), 3 points, last in the league standings.
Minnesota Frost: 3-0-0-2, 9 points, mid-pack in the league.
These records are current through December 19, 2025.
Recent Team Forms
Ottawa has struggled, going 1-0-0-4 in their last five games, with a recent 2-1 loss to Boston on December 18. They averaged 1.8 goals for and 3.2 against, with a power play at 15% and penalty kill at 78%. A win over Toronto on December 14 showed potential, but defensive lapses have cost them.
Minnesota is on a roll with a 3-0-0-2 record in their last five, including a 3-2 win over New York on December 17. They averaged 2.6 goals for and 2.0 against, with a power play at 20% and penalty kill at 85%. Their streak includes shutouts, driven by strong goaltending.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Goals For/Against (Last 5) | PP% (Season) | PK% (Season) |
| Ottawa Charge | 1-0-0-4 | L3 | 9/16 | 16.2% | 79.4% |
| Minnesota Frost | 3-0-0-2 | W1 | 13/10 | 19.8% | 82.6% |
Series History
The Charge and Frost have limited history in the young PWHL, with Minnesota holding a 3-2 edge from the previous season. Games have been close, averaging 4.8 goals, with the home team winning 4 of 5. This is the first matchup of the 2025-26 season, setting the tone for future encounters.
Betting Trends
PWHL games trend under (hitting in 65% due to low scoring, average 4.2 goals), with home teams 55% SU. Minnesota is 3-2 ATS at home, with unders in 4 of last 5. Ottawa is 2-3 ATS on road, with overs in 3 of last 5. Head-to-head, unders in 4 of 5. December trends favor unders in 60% of games with injuries.
GAME ODDS
Ottawa Charge 4.5
Minnesota Frost – 170
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 20, 2025
