The Brampton Canadettes executed a disciplined road game to secure a 3-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators in U22 Elite action. The game's tone was set early with a physical edge, as Brampton's Julia Sayej was sent off for head contact late in the first period. Despite being shorthanded, Ottawa capitalized when Lexie Hatoum, assisted by Avery Wojtyk, buried a shorthanded goal at the 4:52 mark to tie the game at 1-1, answering an earlier even-strength tally from Brampton's Carly Henry. The period ended with the teams deadlocked, but Brampton had established a firm, checking-heavy approach that would define the contest.
The middle frame proved to be the turning point. Brampton weathered an interference penalty to Avery Gillespie and then took advantage of their own power play opportunities. After Ottawa's Ella Fridgen and Charlize Danks took consecutive minors for interference and cross-checking, Brampton's power play finally broke through. Kaitlin Bayer netted what would stand as the game-winning goal at 4:30 of the second, with key helpers from Avery Gillespie and Julia Sayej. Brampton's defensive structure, led by players like Kristina Eccleston who also took a penalty in the period, largely stifled Ottawa's offensive pushes, limiting high-danger chances and protecting their slim lead.
Entering the third period with a 2-1 advantage, the Canadettes locked down the game completely. They frustrated Ottawa's attempts to mount a comeback, and with just over a minute remaining, Emma Sulpher sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, assisted by Anika Mahon. The final score of 3-1 reflected Brampton's effective game plan: capitalize on key opportunities, play a structured and at times physical game, and rely on a strong team defensive effort to secure two points on the road. For Ottawa, the shorthanded marker from Hatoum was a bright spot, but they couldn't solve Brampton's defensive puzzle a second time at even strength.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875