The Ottawa Charge head into the 2025 PWHL Draft with an opportunity to make a statement, both on the draft board and in front of their home crowd. With this year’s draft taking place in Ottawa, the team will look to strengthen a roster which has seen some key departures following a run to the Finals.
Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer and forward Danielle Serdachny signed with PWHL Vancouver and PWHL Seattle, respectively, during the Exclusive Signing window. On defence, Ottawa saw Ashton Bell and Aneta Tejralová depart in the Expansion Draft, taken first and second overall by Vancouver and Seattle. Add in the departures of Tereza Vanišová, Shiann Darkangelo, Zoe Boyd and Jincy Roese in free agency, and the result is multiple holes to fill across the lineup.
General manager Mike Hirshfeld has stated that the team will look to draft the best player available, and with several top-tier options expected to be on the board at fifth overall, Ottawa is well-positioned to add a difference-maker who can fill the void left by those offseason losses.
Whether they opt for offensive firepower, blue line stability, or veteran leadership, the decision at fifth overall will act as the first step in reshaping their lineup heading into next season. Here are some of the top prospects Ottawa could target on draft day.
Rory Guilday, Cornell University (NCAA)
Dating back to last offseason, Hirshfeld shared the importance of building a bigger, tougher blue line, a priority which led them to the selection of Ronja Savolainen in last year's draft. If the team is searching for the “quintessential Ottawa Charge” player, they need look no further than Rory Guilday. The American defender stands 5’11”, knows how to use her size effectively, skates well, blocks shots and plays with a physical edge, exactly the type of defender this team covets. While she leans more on the defensive side, there is enough offensive upside to make her an intriguing all-round option.
Natálie Mlýnková, University of Minnesota (NCAA)
For a team starved of goals, especially evident during their playoff run, Mlýnková could be a perfect fit. The Czech forward finished this season with 34 points through 39 games and has been a consistent offensive threat throughout her collegiate career. She has incredible offensive instincts, is a gifted puck mover, and plays responsibly in all three zones. Head coach Carla MacLeod also has a familiarity with Mlýnková from her time with the national program which could provide an added advantage on the ice.
Honourable Mention
Kendall Cooper, Quinnipiac University (NCAA)
The right-handed defender fills a positional need, particularly following the loss of both Ashton Bell and Aneta Tejralová in the Expansion Draft. The Canadian wrapped up an impressive collegiate career with Quinnipiac, tallying 26 points in 37 games. She brings physicality, something the team values from the back end, and is a fantastic puck mover who enjoys activating in the offensive zone. An added bonus is her leadership experience, having served as Quinnipiac’s captain this past season.
With several promising options expected at fifth overall, the Ottawa Charge have a real chance to address key needs and add impact players as they build toward another strong season. Whether they prioritize scoring, defence, or leadership, this draft offers a fresh opportunity for the Charge to shape their future in front of their home fans.
The 2025 PWHL Draft takes place June 24th at 7:00 p.m. EST at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ottawa. The first three rounds will air across Canada on TSN, with full coverage available on TSN+ and the league’s YouTube channel worldwide.