Ronja Savolainen, PWHL Ottawa's second round pick, is excited to join the team, and the league, where she feels she'll become the best version of herself on the ice. Ottawa made some impactful additions this offseason, both through the draft and via free agency. They appear to be charging into the 2024-2025 PWHL season deeper at every position, and ready to achieve the outcomes they believed possible last season. Here's a look at the newcomers joining the Ottawa Charge for the 2024-2025 season. WHO IS NOT RETURNING? Daryl Watts is the biggest name not back in Ottawa after the talented forward signed a deal in her hometown with Toronto [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/daryl-watts-its-a-dream-to-return-home-to-toronto-pwhl]. She left a lot of money on the table, but the hometown pull, and a chance to potentially better her chances with Team Canada were a major draw. Remaining up front, Akane Shiga signed in Sweden [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/international/akane-shiga-signs-with-lulea-in-sweden] looking to boost her development with more ice time, while forward Becca Gilmore retired [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/pwhl-rumblings-gilmore-retires-gender-inclusion-ottawas-arena-and-more]. Kristin Della Rovere signed in Italy [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/international/pwhl-ottawa-forward-kristin-della-rovere-signs-in-italy] looking to pursue her Olympic dream. In net, backup Sandra Abstreiter turned down a contract offer prior to free agency, and is headed to camp with Montreal. MEET THE NEWCOMERS Ottawa added three players who could have a significant top billing impact. Up front forward Danielle Serdachny, the second overall pick in the PWHL Draft [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/ottawa-gets-the-full-package-in-danielle-serdachny] could be one of the top scoring rookies in the league and find her way high in the overall scoring charts. On the backend, Ronja Savolainen is big, mobile, and can play mean. She looks a lot like Megan Keller in action, but her snarl is something Ottawa will value. The third is netminder Gwyneth Philips, a First Team All-American and former NCAA Goaltender of the Year who will give Emerance Maschmeyer a legitimate push this season. Beyond this group, there are others who can make an impact. Anna Meixner is one of the top players coming from Europe. The Austrian captain could turn out to be a steal if she remains healthy this season. Via free agency, the team also added hometown player Rebecca Leslie. Leslie produced well above expectations in Toronto last season, and was an elite scorer in the NCAA. Her upside far outweighs what she has done recently, and with the right opportunity, Leslie could slide up the lineup. She is also capable of playing a depth checking role effectively. Ottawa also added some depth punch with Alexa Vasko in free agency, and the selection of Stephanie Markowski on the back end shouldn't be overlooked. Logan Angers is also in as Ottawa's third goalie. UNSIGNED DRAFT PICKS AND CAMP INVITES Savolainen is Ottawa's top unsigned pick, but the deal will get done. Beyond Savolainen, Markowski is Ottawa's best unsigned pick, and is a two-way blueliner who was invited to Canada's national team selection camp. Forward Manon McMahon and blueliner Madeline Wethington are also unsigned draft picks heading into camp. Speaking of unsigned draft picks, Audrey-Anne Veillette who Ottawa selected last season is back after rehabbing from injury, and she'll take her first crack at making the PWHL.
