Things have been quiet on the PWHL front lately, but a lot has already happened this offseason between the draft and ongoing free agency. Spots will likely remain open on all teams through training camp, but the bulk of next seasonโs rosters is coming into focus, so it’s time to look at where each team stands. First, weโll look at where everyone from last yearโs roster is before moving on to the new faces and remaining roster spots. It’s Ottawa’s turn in the spotlight in the penultimate installment of the TIG roster report series.
All signing information is according to TIGโs roster tracker. Camp invite details are from a master spreadsheet by The Scoreโs Kyle Cushman unless otherwise noted.
Last Yearโs Roster
Still Had Term
Forwards
- Emily Clark
- Brianne Jenner
- Gabbie Hughes
- Hayley Scamurra
- Tereza Vaniลกovรก
Defenders
- Jincy Roese
- Ashton Bell
- Savannah Harmon
Goaltenders
- Emerance Maschmeyer
Heading into the offseason, Ottawa was guaranteed to return a strong group of players on and off the ice. However, finding a goaltender that could take some of the load away from Maschmeyer and a few more goal scorers was a priority for GM Michael Hirshfeld.
Re-Signings
Forwards
- Natalie Snodgrass
- Shiann Darkangelo
- Kateลina Mrรกzovรก
Defenders
- Aneta Tejralovรก
- Zoe Boyd
Mrรกzovรก and Tejralovรก each inked two-year deals, while the rest earned new one-year contracts. Boyd, Snodgrass, and Tejralovรก all signed during the exclusive negotiation window, so their contracts are guaranteed, while the others are not.
Free Agents
Forwards
- Sammy Davis
- Rosy Demers
- Fanni Garรกt-Gasparics
Defenders
- Emma Buckles
- Samantha Isbell
- Lauren MacInnis
Goaltenders
- Rachel McQuigge
Two would-be free agentsโforwards Akane Shiga and Kristin Della Rovereโhave signed over in Europe. Another, Becca Gilmore, has retired from professional hockey. A few others have departed via free agency, with forward Daryl Watts joining PWHL Toronto and goaltender Sandra Abstreiter accepting an invite to Montrรฉalโs camp.
Protected List
- Audrey-Anne Veillette (F)
Ottawa also has one player on their protected list. Injury prevented Audrey-Anne Veillette from attending training camp after being drafted in the 15th round by Ottawa in the inaugural draft, although she was able to join the team as a reserve player in March. She didnโt get into a game last season, but she will likely be at training camp to vie for another spot.
Draftees/New Faces
2024 Ottawa Draft Class
- Round 1, Pick 2: Danielle Serdachny (F)
- Round 2, Pick 8: Ronja Savolainen (D)
- Round 3, Pick 14: Gwyneth Phillips (G)
- Round 4, Pick 20: Stephanie Markowski (D)
- Round 5, Pick 26: Mannon McMahon (F)
- Round 6, Pick 32: Anna Meixner (F)
- Round 7, Pick 38: Madeline Wethington (D)
Check out at my colleague Simon Hopkinโs recap here for a more in-depth look at each new draftee. So far, only Serdachny, Meixner, and Phillips have signed contracts. Serdachny inked a three-year deal, while Phillips signed for two years and Meixner for one.
Free Agent Signings
- Rebecca Leslie (F)
- Alexa Vasko (F)
- Logan Angers (G)
Ottawa also signed a few free agents after losing some of last yearโs players. Leslie and Vasko were with Toronto last season and signed one-year deals. Meanwhile, Logan Angers became the first undrafted free agent from this yearโs draft to sign a full contract when she put pen to paper on her one-year deal.
Finally, for outside camp invites, only undrafted free agent Taylor House is confirmed as an attendee.
Remaining Roster Spots
There isnโt going to be much wiggle room on Ottawaโs roster heading into training camp, as theyโre tied for Boston and Toronto for the fewest open slots. They have 20 players already signed, leaving just three regular spots and three reserve slots up for grabs. Of the 20 players signed, 12 are forwards, five are defenders, and three are goaltenders. So, assuming a normal roster construction, expect the final four slots to be filled by one forward and two defenders.
Should all of Ottawaโs unsigned draftees attend camp, they donโt necessarily need to invite more players to camp to fill their open slots. However, for the sake of creating competition, itโs a good idea, even if itโs just some free agents from last yearโs roster. So, Hirshfeld still has a little work to do before camps open to get his team in the best position possible to make the playoffs after missing out last year.