The Stoney Creek Sabres started strong on home ice, outshooting the Nepean Wildcats 8-4 in the opening period, but a disciplined and opportunistic Wildcats squad weathered the early storm and took control as the game progressed. The first period was a parade to the penalty box, with Nepean's Nuala Gibbs taking two minors and Stoney Creek's Nicole Spencer and Nepean's Alessia Longo also serving time. Despite the power play chances, neither team could break through, setting the stage for a second-period explosion. The Sabres finally broke the deadlock just over a minute into the middle frame when Ashley Austin, assisted by Clara Stanley and Mylie Ellis, found the back of the net. However, the Wildcats responded with authority. Kylie Hollingsworth tied the game midway through the period, and Maggie Hughson gave Nepean the lead with just over five minutes left, capitalizing on setups from Jaylee MacKinnon and Sydney Semiga to take a 2-1 advantage into the final intermission.
The third period belonged entirely to the visiting Wildcats, who put the game out of reach with a pair of crucial goals. Sydney Semiga, who had an assist earlier, turned scorer to extend the lead to 3-1, with MacKinnon and Jordan Mulvihill providing the helpers. The Sabres, struggling to generate the same offensive pressure they showed early, took a costly hooking penalty by Claire Sanford, but it was at even strength where Nepean sealed the victory. Maggie Hughson netted her second of the night to complete the 4-1 final, with the dynamic Jaylee MacKinnon earning her third assist of the game on the play, teamed with Kate Viel.
While the Sabres' Ashley Austin provided the lone bright spot on the scoresheet, the story of the game was Nepean's balanced attack and their ability to capitalize on their chances. The Wildcats' top line of Hughson, MacKinnon, and Semiga was particularly lethal, combining for three goals and five assists. The Sabres, despite a promising start, couldn't solve the Wildcats' defensive structure as the game wore on, ultimately falling to a more clinical opponent who turned a close contest into a convincing road victory.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875