Minnesota made history on Wednesday night by winning the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, defeating Boston 3-0 in a thrilling Game 5 to claim the Walter Cup.
The game was a winner-take-all showdown, with Minnesota goalie Nicole Hensley making 17 saves to secure the shutout victory. This win was especially sweet for Minnesota after a heart-stopping moment in Game 4 when a potential game-winning goal was waved off due to goaltender interference.
The Minnesota team, representing the “State of Hockey,” came out strong in Game 5, with Liz Schepers breaking the scoreless tie in the second period. Michela Cava extended the lead to 2-0 in the third period, and Kendall Coyne Schofield sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minutes.
Despite a valiant effort from Boston goalie Aerin Frankel, who made an impressive 41 saves, the Minnesota team proved to be too much to handle. The sold-out crowd at the Tsongas Centre showed their appreciation for Frankel and the Boston team, chanting their names and thanking them for a hard-fought series.
The atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly awaited the trophy presentation. The Walter Cup, named after league benefactor Mark Walter, was a symbol of the hard work and dedication put in by both teams throughout the season.
The game was not without its dramatic moments, with Boston forcing a Game 5 after a controversial call in Game 4. However, Minnesota remained focused and determined, ultimately coming out on top in the decisive game.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Minnesota players celebrated on the ice while the crowd erupted in cheers. It was a moment of triumph for the Minnesota team and a fitting end to an exciting inaugural season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
With this historic win, Minnesota solidified its place in women’s hockey history and set the stage for future seasons of thrilling competition in the PWHL.