Trade Wins, Big Crowds, And Constant Improvement Keys In Ottawa

As we approach the second international break of the season, this one for the World Championships, PWHL Ottawa sits fourth in the league with 27 points, only three points behind Montreal for third in the league. The season has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but there are a lot of positives to build upon. Let's look at those now.

One would be remiss if they didn’t start with the fans. Every game has been an absolutely electric experience, as fans of all ages show up with their signs, which are matched by their passion and enthusiasm for the team. Five of the nine home games played at The Arena at TD Place have exceeded 8,000 fans and it always sounds like significantly more. 

“Best fans in the league! 100%," said Ottawa defender Buckles. “They’re the 7th man out there and hearing all those chants, it’s unmatched. We’re so grateful to have them and to be in this city.”

Goal scoring, which had been a struggle earlier in the season, has really turned a corner over the past five games, as we’re seeing the likes of Daryl Watts, Katerina Mrázová and Brianne Jenner all make their way into the top ten in league scoring, which shouldn’t come as a surprise since they have become one of the best lines in the league. Beyond that, the team is getting more consistent secondary scoring from Gabbie Hughes, Hayley Scamurra and Emily Clark and more dependable defence, with Savannah Harmon and Aneta Tejralová leading the way for this team.

Having an elite goaltender such as Emerance Maschmeyer means that the team is always going to be in a game, and with backup Sandra Abstreiter, someone who is used to being a starter and has looked good in the games she’s played this season, the team has a duo who may not be the flashiest or sit at the top of the league in stats, but provide you with consistency and calmness throughout a game. They are both headed off to Worlds and will be able to bring back invaluable experience to help this team continue to win down the stretch.

All season long, head coach MacLeod has been preaching the importance of patience; that this is a long season and there is time in order to see the pieces come together and we’re witnessing that now. The team hasn’t lost in regulation in the past five games, which included a big team shutout of New York, followed by breaking Toronto’s 11 game win streak, a game in which the team had to fight back after going down early. The team has bought into the systems MacLeod and her staff have put in place and it shows more and more every game.

Trading away a fan favourite, such as Lexie Adzija, is never going to be easy for fans to digest and that was clear from the moment the news broke, and arguably still to this day. Adzija brought her personality and authenticity to this city and it immediately helped to endear herself to the fanbase. Seeing her go was a tough pill to swallow for many fans, and while a player like Amanda Boulier may not always jump out on the scoresheet, she offered the team a dependable, bottom pairing defender, along with a strong veteran presence in the room. While giving up what the team did may be difficult to come to terms with, the players the team received in return should make this a more competitive, well balanced group and, as the GM Mike Hirschfeld said, add more scoring and experience in order to continue challenging for a playoff spot. Shiann Darkangelo, who hasn’t seen the scoresheet often this season, is a big, strong centre who can move up and down the lineup if needed. She also brings leadership qualities and experience, having captained the Toronto Six for three seasons, including last season in which they won the Isobel Cup. Adding a player such as Tereza Vanišová provides the team with someone who’s been a consistent goal scorer her entire career and is on pace to score 13 points this season. She also adds a ton of grit and can be a frustrating player for opposing teams to play against. Both are excellent additions for this team and, as stated prior, really do help to round out the forward group for a long playoff run.

Despite the injury troubles that this team has experienced throughout this season, including multiple players having to be placed on LTIR with season ending injuries, many continue to state that Ottawa is a team that others won’t enjoy facing in the playoffs. They’re coming together at the right time and you can see instant chemistry on all lines.

Ottawa will continue to be an exciting team to watch in the five remaining games once the league returns from the World Championships.