Savannah Harmon is excited to be in Ottawa, and the city of Ottawa is excited to have her and the rest of PWHL Ottawa. The city and team look ahead of the game.
If there's one place in the PWHL that has hit the ground running, it's in Canada's capital city, Ottawa. The team has received a strong response from fans, but the response from the players arriving at camp to play for PWHL Ottawa has been just as positive.
"Camp has been incredible, it's been really exciting to get here, get things going, meet everyone, get some meetings done, and get everything started," said USA national team defender Savannah Harmon.
Harmon was Ottawa's first round pick, fifth overall at the 2023 PWHL Draft, and quickly signed a three-year contract to stay with the team through the 2025-2026 season. While at Clarkson University, Harmon spent time in Ottawa with friends, helping to familiarize herself with the city. Now, set to embark on at least three seasons in the city, she's excited to see the progress made, including at TD Place Arena.
"The facilities are just incredible, we have so much available to us, our entire staff is asking what else we could need or want, or if there's any issues with anything, everything in Ottawa has been incredible," said Harmon.
The team itself has already started engaging in the community, holding autograph sessions, participating with minor hockey organizations, attending other local hockey events, and building their fan base. It's something Harmon immediately noted.
"We've signed some autographs and the city is obviously excited to have us, and we're excited to be here," she said.
Harmon has spent parts of her summer training in nearby Montreal, and played as a member of Team USA in a lead up game against Canada in Ottawa. She say the passion in the city for women's hockey, and believes PWHL Ottawa will soon be filling their home rink.
"I played here once before in an American jersey and it was an incredible atmosphere and game, so I have a taste of what the fans are like here, and I'm excited to get TD Place filled."
On the ice, Harmon is also encouraged by her team and coaching staff. Having played against head coach Carla MacLeod internationally, Harmon knows what her teams are like and said her new head coach "brings so much knowledge and experience" to the club.
The players she sees on the ice at training camp have also impressed.
"Everyone looks really solid, the women that are here are incredible," she said. "The energy has been amazing since the start of training camp. We had a game day our first day on the ice, everyone was just smiling and having fun."
For Harmon herself, who spent last season in the PWHPA, where she won a Secret Cup with Team Harvey's, she's looking forward to spending more time with that team.
"I want to take advantage of a full season," Harmon said. "I think being able to practice and contribute to a team day in and day out, and show my style of play and contribute, I'm just looking forward to being a part of this group."
Players, coaches, fans, and the city itself, the excitement and momentum in Ottawa is evident.