Despite having lost several big-name players, the Ottawa Charge are pushing full-steam ahead and have a nearly full roster heading into the rest of the summer. With players like Brianne Jenner and Emily Clark on their way out, there will be plenty of opportunity for new draft picks like Jordan Ray and Tereza Piลกtฤkovรก to make their mark.
Goaltending
The Ottawa Charge were fortunate enough to retain all three of their goaltenders over the offseason. Gwyneth Philips was one of the team’s initial protections in the expansion process – no surprise there. She played the lion’s share in net and will likely do so again next season. Sanni Ahola re-signed with a one-year contract, and perhaps she’ll get a slightly better share of the workload. Kendra Woodland returns as the third string goalie.
There’s something to be said for a bit of roster stability in this league, and even if it’s just at a single position, it’s a good position for the Charge to be in. Having this trio return is a good place to start rebuilding a roster that lost some of its bigger pieces elsewhere.
Defense
Six defenders from this past season are returning for the Ottawa Charge. That core is led by Ronja Savolainen, who was one of the team’s protections through the expansion process. Jocelyne Larocque also provides critical stability on the backend, along with Emma Greco, Brooke Hobson, Vita Poniatovskaia and Kathryn Reilly.
With the core locked down, it’ll be a competition for draft picks Vivian Jungels and Tory Mariano to find their way into the lineup. Jungels will likely easily find her way in on the second or third pairing. As of writing, both remain unsigned.
Forwards
The Charge have three unsigned draft picks among the forwards. Depending how those shake out, there could be a few open spots heading into training camp. Jordan Ray, Tereza Piลกtฤkovรก and Taylor Otremba are the unsigned players. Realistically, I’d expect at least two, if not all three, to sign between now and the end of training camp.
Otherwise, the Charge have eight forwards under contract for next season, led by Rebecca Leslie. Brooke McQuigge, Kateลina Mrรกzovรก, Michela Cava and Gabbie Hughes all re-signed. Fanuza Kadirova signed after receiving a qualifying offer, as did Sarah Wozniewicz.
The team has also brought in Jenna Buglioni, acquired via trade, and Dara Greig. Those aren’t necessarily huge moves, but they will help supplement the roster among its losses. Buglioni appeared in 18 games with the Seattle Torrent this past season but didn’t register a point. Still, GM Mike Hirshfeld noted her skill and tenacity, and said the team believes she has “the ability to become a top player in this league and impact the game in all three zones.” Greig had five points in 29 games with the Victoire.
Among all these moving pieces, there’s a bit of wiggle room for the Charge to add one or two more players out of camp as they hope to contend for the Walter Cup again. (It won’t be an easy task!)
Front Office
As of writing, no major changes are expected in the Ottawa Charge front office. Carla MacLeod is expected to return as head coach, with Mike Hirshfeld back as general manager.
Player Departures
- Brianne Jenner (PWHL Hamilton)
- Emily Clark (PWHL Hamilton)
- Alexa Vasko (PWHL Hamilton)
- Peyton Hemp (PWHL Hamilton)
- Rory Guilday (PWHL San Jose)
- Olivia Wallin (PWHL Detroit)
- Stephanie Markowski (PWHL Detroit)
- Taylor House (Boston Fleet)
Currently Unsigned
- Vivian Jungels
- Jordan Ray
- Tereza Piลกtฤkovรก
- Tory Mariano
- Taylor Otremba
- Maggy Burbidge
- Reece Hunt
