OTTAWA — Gabbie Hughes isn’t letting anything stand in her way — even some chipped teeth. Hughes capped off her brilliant performance with the game-winning goal just 36 seconds after overtime began, leading the Ottawa Charge to a hard-fought 5-4 victory against the New York Sirens on February 26, 2025.
Despite her victory, Hughes left the game bearing some injuries. "I chipped about three or four of my teeth in one of the hits, a stick came up and my cage came up and hit my teeth, so I’m going to go get it fixed tomorrow," Hughes expressed post-game. Her efforts on ice were remarkable, as she not only scored the winning goal but also contributed another two goals and assisted on another, bringing her total to eight points — including five goals — over her last five games.
"I’ll be quite honest, in those kinds of moments it’s a little bit of blackout — you get the adrenaline pumping, especially afterwards it’s hard to recall," Hughes shared. She recalled the moments before her goal, saying, "I need to make up for this," after the puck nearly dropped on the Charge side. "Initially, I thought to pass, but I could hear my coach say, ‘shoot it,’ and I did — it ended up working out."
Ottawa's head coach, Carla MacLeod, praised Hughes's decision-making during the key moment of the game: "The ability of us to get in front of goalies is gettingbetter andbetter, and you couplethat witha shooting mentality;that’s what’s helping drive our game here offensively." Hughes's continued contributions have been invaluable to the team’s success.
The game itself was competitive throughout, with the Charge showcasing their depth and skill across the roster. Rookie Taylor House earned the first point of her career by successfully deflecting a shot from fellow first-year player Stephanie Markowski, who garnered two assists on the night. Experienced players like Emily Clark and Shiann Darkangelo also found the back of the net, helping the Charge extend their point streak to seven games, showcasing impressive team cohesion.
The Sirens, still searching for answers after suffering their eighth consecutive loss, displayed grit and determination. Rookie star Sarah Fillier and assistant captain Alex Carpenter each earned one goal and one assist, contributing to the Sirens’ attempt to rebound. Their effort was boosted by Ella Shelton's game-tying goal, which forced the match to overtime, demonstrating the resilience within their squad.
Reflecting on her newfound focus, Hughes pointed to the game held on February 13, dedicated to mental health awareness, as her turning point this season. "That game really put thingsinto perspective, and I’ve just been going ever since then. It really redefined why I’m playing the sport and who I’m really playing it for is the people back home and Sophie, and to continue to spreadthat awareness," she noted. Hughes co-founded Sophie’s Squad to help raise awareness following the tragic passing of her friend, Sophie Wieland, emphasizing the greater purpose behind her athletic pursuits.
Individual accomplishments and team strides marked this significant contest. Notably, eighteen different players contributed points during the match, showcasing the team's collective effort and enthusiasm for the game. Hughes illustrated just how integral teamwork and support are, especially when faced with personal hurdles on and off the ice.
The Charge now look to continue their success as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Minnesota Frost on March 7. Meanwhile, the Sirens aim to break their losing streak against the Boston Fleet on March 5. Each team carries its individual aspirations, but it’s the heartwarming efforts of players like Hughes, exemplified through their strong commitment both on the scoreboard and as advocates for mental health, which resonates broadly and enhances the game.
Canadian hockey fans have something truly special to cherish as the season progresses, and the story of the Ottawa Charge speaks to the power of resilience, determination, and the unyielding captivation of this incredible sport.