Thompson's Four-Point Night Puts Minnesota On Top

Clair Thompson notched four points leading the Minnesota Frost to a convincing 5-2 win over the Ottawa Charge at home in St. Paul, Thursday night.

Thompson, who recorded a goal and three assists in the game became just the second player in PWHL history to record a four-point game following Montréal defender Erin Ambrose doing so against Minnesota last season. It was also Thompson’s first career PWHL goal.

The win, which also saw Grace Zumwinkle and Kelly Pannek score two apiece, gave Minnesota a two-point cushion at the top of the PWHL's standings.

"We’re playing the right way, generating chances and just not finishing, so that’s something we’ve been emphasizing in practice," said Minnesota coach Ken Klee. "We figured out ways to score more goals; it’s just playing with confidence. I think the confidence of some of our players is rising, which is great. Confident players score goals— that’s what happens.”

At the other end of the ice, Gwyneth Philips turned aside 35 shots in her PWHL debut, but her team was drastically outshot and Ottawa's top players failed to generate offense.

“Our best players must be our best players," said Ottawa coach Carla MacLeod. "It’s simple. We’ve got to figure out how to get that group going and that we are matching what other teams are doing. Obviously, there is always small components that you are trying to correct and fix as coaches, but right now, that’s probably the most glaring piece that we must figure out.”

Ottawa forward Anna Meixner scored her first goal on North American soil in the loss, while Tereza Vanisova had Ottawa's other goal.