The Ottawa Senators secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Stoney Creek Sabres in a U22 Elite matchup defined by strong goaltending and a crucial third-period strike. The Sabres, led by a relentless offensive push that saw them outshoot Ottawa 38-20, were repeatedly stymied by Senators netminder Cameron Garcia, who turned in a perfect performance with all 38 saves. The game's narrative was one of frustration for the home side, as they generated a massive 18-shot barrage in the final frame but could not find the equalizer against Garcia's wall.
Ottawa struck first midway through the second period. Lexie Hatoum, wearing #92, opened the scoring at even strength, finishing a play set up by Ella Fridgen and Samantha Salo. The Sabres responded on the power play just minutes later. With Ottawa's Tessa Hubbard in the box for hooking, Stoney Creek's Nicole Spencer (#10) capitalized, firing home a goal assisted by Sadie Allen and Mikayla Barnes to knot the game at 1-1. The period was a parade to the penalty box, with four minors called, setting a physical tone for the decisive third.
The game-winner came from a familiar source for Ottawa. Just over seven minutes into the final period, Lexie Hatoum struck again, netting her second of the night—and the game-winning goal—with another assist from Ella Fridgen. The Sabres poured on the pressure thereafter, but a late penalty to Ottawa's Charlotte Wheeler for body checking did little to slow the home team's momentum, as they fired shot after shot at Garcia. A critical head contact penalty to Ottawa's Lily Shannon gave Stoney Creek a late power play chance, but Garcia and the Senators' penalty kill stood tall to seal the narrow road victory. For Stoney Creek, goalie Grace Kipfer made 18 saves in the losing effort, but the story of the night was the impenetrable defense at the other end of the ice.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875