With news that PWHL Detroit has officially joined the league, Charge players share in the excitement as they prepare for their first playoff game at the Canadian Tire Centre.
On Wednesday, fans of the PWHL were treated to news of the addition of the league’s ninth franchise: PWHL Detroit. While fans in Motor City were understandably excited, so too were players with the Ottawa Charge. And for some, like goaltender Kendra Woodland, expansion could also help to open the door to new opportunities for ice time.
“I think it’s amazing, and it’s so important,” said Woodland. “The growth of this league, it’s unstoppable, that’s a really good word, and it’s just going to keep growing. Making more spots for players, maybe like me who had to battle a bit harder to get on a roster, it’s going to be exciting to see how this plays out.”
This marks the second year of expansion for the PWHL and is only the first announcement this year of what is expected to be more destinations. With the excitement of new teams also comes the realization that rosters could look very different when puck drops on the 2026-27 season.
“We kind of dealt with this last season, and you know the team’s obviously going to be different next season,” said forward Michela Cava. “It’s hard. I love this group. Obviously, I joined halfway through the year, but we have a really good team. Everybody loves hanging out together, so to think about being separated in any way is tough, but it’s sports.”
For players in Ottawa, the news of expansion brings understandable mixed emotions, but an understanding that this is the very thing they’ve worked so hard for. As the league continues to expand, the group in the nation’s capital remains focused on the task at hand, with game three against the Boston Fleet only days away.
“I think for us, just trying to focus on getting the things done here and playing the right way,” Cava said. “We’ve had some time to look at our previous games against them in Boston and to try to clean up our game. To come out and have a good third game would be huge for us.”
After earning the split in Boston, the Ottawa Charge will look to take their first lead of the series as they play their first playoff game in franchise history in what is expected to be a very full Canadian Tire Centre on Friday.