The East Ottawa Stars struck first and last to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Toronto Aeros in a U22 Elite matchup. The game opened with a quick goal from the Stars' Sophie Orlicky, assisted by Angélie Vallée and Anna Rioux, setting the tone for a competitive battle. The Aeros responded before the period was out, as Kaitlyn Fortun found the back of the net with help from Ella Harding and Emma Hung to knot the score at 1-1. The first frame was a penalty-filled affair, with both sides taking three minors, including a pair of coincidental roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct calls on East Ottawa's Caitlyn Johnston and Toronto's Sophie Gauld.
The middle period saw the physical intensity ramp up, resulting in several key penalties. East Ottawa's Kessa Hogue and Toronto's Marissa Cowling were both handed double minors for head contact in a single incident, forcing extended special teams play. Despite the power play opportunities, neither side could break the deadlock in the second, setting up a dramatic final twenty minutes. The third period belonged to the visitors early, as Kessa Hogue redeemed herself from the penalty box by scoring what would stand as the game-winning goal, with assists from Aniston McCrann and Charlotte Payette.
Toronto refused to go quietly, with Kaitlyn Fortun striking again just under two minutes later, this time assisted by Hayley Armstrong, to tie the game at 2-2 and complete a stellar two-goal performance. However, the Stars had the final answer. With just under three minutes remaining, Annabelle McKenzie converted a setup from Kiana Fortin and Béatrice Gauvin to restore the East Ottawa lead for good. A late body checking penalty to the Stars' Ava Hillier gave the Aeros a final power play chance, but they could not find the equalizer, sealing a narrow 3-2 road win for the East Ottawa Stars in a game defined by its physical play and timely scoring.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875