Rory Guilday can see her future. The fifth overall pick in the 2025 PWHL Draft is headed to pro hockey as the first round pick of the Ottawa Charge. That path has not always been so clear. In fact, when Guilday was in seventh eight, it wasn't just a fight to see her career, it was a fight for her vision and sight that Guilday faced.
"I found out I had a tumor on my optic nerve that was impacting my vision and they didn't want it to affect my other eye and wipe out my vision completely," Guilday told media at the draft.
At the time, Guilday was playing both hockey and soccer in Minnesota, and was forced to take a year away while she fought the tumor. That fight included nine months of chemotherapy.
"I think I came out stronger on the other side," said Guilday, who lost partial vision in her right eye. "It's pretty incredible what the body can do, I don't even notice it these days. My left eye just took over...I think it's made me stronger."
Strength, speed, and physicality are calling cards of Guilday. The Cornell grad and World Championship gold medalist plays a reliable, shutdown game that will keep the Ottawa Charge a tough team to face.
Guilday hopes to arrive at camp in Ottawa this fall even more prepared to take the next step as a professional.
"I've been working out, just trying to sharpen my skills, and get ready for this league and make sure I'm on top of my game and come in hot when the season starts," said Guilday.
After a difficult season of player losses due to expansion and free agency in Ottawa, the Charge will be looking for Guilday to come in hot and make an immediate impact on the blueline.
