The Etobicoke Dolphins opened the scoring early in a fast-paced first period, setting the tone for a hard-fought battle against the Waterloo Ravens. Just over three minutes into the game, Grace Van Volsen found the back of the net, assisted by Mia Venusio and Sofia Ismael, to give the home team a lead they would never fully relinquish. The Ravens responded before the period was out, however, as Maya Slot tied the game at 1-1 with assists from Alexa Tout and Olivia Weiss. The period was not without its chippy moments, with Waterloo's Emma McCoubrey taking a roughing penalty just five minutes in, signaling a physical contest ahead.
The middle frame turned into a special teams showcase and a parade to the penalty box, with seven minors called between the two teams. The Dolphins capitalized on their first power play opportunity of the period when Megan Mossey scored, assisted by Skylar Ruschpler and Fiona Waddick, to retake the lead at 2-1. The Ravens answered back at even strength, with Isla McCoubrey knotting the game at 2-2 thanks to helpers from Alexa Tout and Emma McCoubrey. The period was marred by multiple head contact and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, with Waterloo's Lauren Gustafson, addyson martin, and Margaret Wathke, along with Etobicoke's Renee Bishop and Madeline McCullough, all spending time in the sin bin.
With the game tied heading into the third, the Dolphins turned up the offensive pressure, outshooting the Ravens 19-9 in the final twenty minutes. The relentless attack paid off midway through the period when Skylar Ruschpler, who had earlier assisted on the game-winning goal, became the goal-scorer herself. She netted the decisive marker, with Grace Van Volsen and Spencer Vaccari picking up the assists. A late tripping penalty to Etobicoke's Mia Venusio and matching roughing minors to Sofia Ismael and Waterloo's Alexa Tout in the final minutes did little to change the outcome. Dolphins goalie Emeline Grennan turned aside all 27 shots she faced for a shutout performance, while Ravens netminder Danica Averill made 38 saves in a valiant losing effort, as the Dolphins secured a narrow 3-2 victory on home ice.
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