After spending the past two seasons in the Nation’s Capital as a member of the PWHL's Ottawa Charge, Ashton Bell is headed west. The 25-year-old defender was selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft, marking a major new chapter in her professional hockey career. And while she’s looking ahead with excitement, leaving Ottawa wasn’t easy.
“I’ve loved my last couple of years in Ottawa,” said Bell. “The community there, the girls, the teammates... probably the hardest part is leaving them. I’m super grateful for the time that I did have in Ottawa.”
For Bell, Ottawa was more than just a place to play hockey. It was a place that felt like home. One of the first things she brought up was the fan base and how deeply connected she felt to the community.
“I just immediately think back to the fans and the community and how welcoming they were right from the get-go,” she said. “Just to see that fan base grow throughout the last couple of years, and then the playoffs this year, was just unbelievable to be a part of.”
Despite the bittersweet goodbye, Bell's focus quickly turned to the opportunity ahead. As draft day approached, she had a sense her name might be called early. Even so, hearing it officially was a moment she won’t forget.
“Yesterday was a crazy day, just waiting around all day for the show to happen,” she said. “I obviously knew that the chances of me going were quite high. Just to hear your name being called first was pretty exciting and just a huge honour to be a part of the Vancouver organization and to head out west to help grow hockey out there.”
Bell’s off-ice presence is matched by her impact on the ice. In the playoffs, she was a force on the back end for Ottawa, logging heavy minutes alongside veteran Jocelyne Larocque and helping to shut down the top lines of both Montreal and Minnesota. Her steady presence and smart reads under pressure were a big part of Ottawa’s defensive success.
“I just think the growth of my defensive game over these past couple of years is definitely something that I'm going to take with me to Vancouver,” Bell said.
Now, she joins a Vancouver roster that’s still taking shape, but already rooted in a clear identity. Bell spoke highly of general manager Cara Gardner Morey and the culture being built behind the scenes.
“I’m super excited,” she said. “The people that Cara has brought in already are world-class people with so much experience, and she’s building such a good foundation there. Her values are something that I value as well, and to be able to be a part of that community out there really excites me.”
From Ottawa’s first playoff run to being the first overall pick in the 2025 Expansion Draft, Ashton Bell has already made an impact in the PWHL. Now, she’s ready to help shape what comes next in Vancouver, all while having fond memories of where her professional career began.
