PWHL Minnesota beats Boston to win inaugural Walter Cup

Three days after Sophie Jaques’ disallowed overtime winner led to Alina Müller scoring just a minute later, forcing a deciding Game 5, PWHL Minnesota wasn’t going to let the moment pass by them again. The only thing sweeter than littering the ice with gloves and sticks and helmets is the chance to do it again.

That’s exactly what this group did Wednesday night, defeating Boston 3-0 in Game 5 of the PWHL Finals, becoming the first team in league history to win the Walter Cup.

The game was scoreless until the midway point of the second period, when Liz Schepers scored her first career PWHL goal — regular season or playoff — tipping in a Sydney Brodt shot.

Michela Cava made it 2-0 midway through the third period, scoring on a wraparound that trickled past Boston netminder Aerin Frankel.

Captain Kendall Coyne Schofield’s empty netter with two minutes to go would end up being both her first of the playoffs and the unofficial confirmation that the league championship was theirs.

Nicole Hensley continued her dominance in the crease, stopping 17 shots and earning her second shutout of the postseason.

Forward Taylor Heise was named the first Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP, scoring five goals and three assists for eight points throughout the playoffs. The league’s first-ever No. 1 overall pick had three goals in the final, assisting on Cava’s insurance goal in the final frame.

Chants of “We want the Cup!” echoed in the crowd through the game, with Boston fans hoping to replicate the success of the city’s other professional teams throughout the 21st century.

But as it became clear it was Minnesota’s time to shine, fans donning purple rushed to the arena’s floor, pressed against the glass, watching their team celebrate for the second time in three days.

Only this time, they didn’t pick their gloves and sticks up off the ice.