The Central York Panthers roared out of the gate on home ice, setting the tone for a dominant 6-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators in U22 Elite action. The game started with a bang as Ottawa's Lexie Hatoum, assisted by Olivia Wallace and Keara Kiley, stunned the home crowd with a goal just 54 seconds into the contest. However, the Panthers quickly responded, capitalizing on an early penalty. Just twelve seconds after a head contact call against Ottawa's Lily Shannon, Ellie Lewington fired home a power-play marker, assisted by Audrey Martone and Elizabeth Shapira, to tie the game. The Panthers' relentless pressure continued, with Martone scoring at even strength and Lily Paisley adding another power-play goal late in the period, giving Central York a commanding 3-1 lead after outshooting the Senators 12-5.
The second period saw Ottawa push back, generating 13 shots, but the Panthers' defense and special teams held firm. Midway through the frame, Annabella Van Berkel extended the lead to 4-1 with yet another power-play goal for Central York, showcasing their lethal efficiency with the extra attacker. The period was marred by a parade to the penalty box, with both teams taking multiple minors, but the Panthers' penalty kill stood tall to preserve their three-goal cushion heading into the final period.
Ottawa made a final push early in the third, as Brooke Glynn scored to cut the deficit to 4-2. The Panthers, however, quickly snuffed out any comeback hopes. Zoe Ordanis restored the three-goal lead, and Annabella Van Berkel netted her second of the night to make it 6-2, effectively sealing the game. A late power-play goal by Ottawa's Naomi Chambers provided a final consolation, but the night belonged to the Panthers. Central York's offense was a well-oiled machine, with Audrey Martone and Elizabeth Shapira each recording multiple assists, while their defensive effort limited Ottawa to just four shots in the decisive third period to secure a convincing win.
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