The Ottawa Charge added the first new player to their roster of the offseason signing former New York Sirens forward and Patty Kazmaier winner Élizabeth Giguère to a one-year contract.
"Élizabeth Giguère accomplished a lot during her five-year NCAA career and we are extremely excited about her offensive upside. She’s a former NCAA Player of the Year,” said Charge General Manager Mike Hirshfeld. "She’s also played on a line with Gabbie Hughes at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She’s offensively gifted and she will get the opportunity to showcase that in Ottawa."
Giguère, 28, collegiately won a national title with Clarkson before finishing her collegiate career with Minnesota-Duluth. Prior to the PWHL the 5-foot-10 forward played for the PHF's Boston Pride before being selected 28th overall by the New York Sirens in the inaugural PWHL Draft.
"The absolute craziness of the fans in Ottawa came immediately to my mind when the opportunity to sign with the Charge was presented to me,” said Giguère. “Let’s be honest, the fans are incredible! Ottawa is five hours away from my hometown and I have friends in the city who will offer lots of support. I’ve only heard good things about the team and the players. I’ve spoken with Head Coach Carla MacLeod and it was a really good meeting. I can tell she loves hockey and wants to keep improving this team like they did last season. I felt like I needed a new challenge and I’m ready for it. I want to help bring a championship to Ottawa."
Ottawa opened their offseason re-signing Rebecca Leslie and Taylor House.