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. Between the draft and free agency, the newly minted Ottawa Charge addressed concerns they had identified after a difficult end to their inaugural season. They wanted to get bigger, become more difficult to play against, and strengthen their blueline. After a strong draft, along with free agent signings, they head into their second season in a much better position and as a more balanced team. Let’s take a look at the top five returning players and the top five newcomers who should have fans excited about the future of this organization. RETURNING PLAYERS: 5. Savannah Harmon: Finished just outside the top five in the league for points by a defender, was relied upon heavily and remained consistently one of their best players for the entirety of last season, especially once the blueline depth was tested. She’s shown to have an offensive side and will remain a stalwart on the backend and a key to this team’s success. 4. Gabbie Hughes: Scrappy, unafraid to drive the net and retrieve the puck from the tough spots, has great hands and is so strong on the puck. She is also beloved by fans for her love of connecting with the community and her charity work, specifically Sophie’s Squad. 3. Katerina Mrázová: Getting this deal done (2 year extension) was one of the team’s top priorities this offseason for a player who is so important to the offensive engine of the team. So dynamic, has an elusive shot, deceptive hands and so strong on the puck, she will remain a cornerstone for this franchise. 2. Emily Clark: A veteran leader on the team who finished with 15 points last season, has a calming presence on the bench, is a threat every shift and creates great plays to set up her teammates. Her international experience continues to be so crucial to this team as they look to take the next step. 1. Brianne Jenner: Leadership runs through her veins. She finished just outside the top five in league scoring, leads by example, can take over a game at any moment, always finds the right spot both offensively and defensively, and is so dominant. She’s the perfect leader for this team and this city. HM: Hayley Scamurra: One of the most underrated players on the team who drives the opposition crazy with her aggressive play, ability to the net, and her control of the puck in tight and down low. She also brings international experience, which is invaluable to the organization. NEW ADDITIONS: 5. Stephanie Markowski (drafted 20th overall, remains unsigned): Has a really good offensive side to her game, but a key aspect is her fearlessness to get in the lanes and block shots which will be an important asset in tight games and crucial late in the season where points mean everything. 4. Rebecca Leslie (signed as a free agent, 1 year): Brings a ton of veteran leadership, ability to move up and down the lineup, and will be extra motivated to play in front of her home crowd. This was a solid free agent signing for the organization. 3. Gwyneth Philips (drafted 14th overall, signed for 2 years): The top ranked goalie in the draft has stellar stats throughout her young career, is unbelievably calm in net and under pressure, and will challenge Maschmeyer for playing time, which wasn’t the case last season. 2. Ronja Savolainen (drafted 8th overall, remains unsigned): She’s a game breaker from the backend, brings height, strength and is going to make it difficult for the opposition to gain the zone. She’s exactly what this team was missing last season and will make an impact from day one. 1. Danielle Serdachny (drafted 2nd overall, signed for 3 years): This is an obvious pick, as Serdachny has everything to be a franchise cornerstone for years to come. Size, speed, strength and isn’t afraid to drive the net and look for rebounds, something the team struggled with last season. She knows how to come up big when the team needs her most. HM: Anna Meixner (drafted 32nd overall, signed for one year): Has leadership experience, as she was an assistant with Brynäs IF of the SDHL and could be one of the steals of the draft. Another player who can play up and down the lineup which will help to elevate the play of her teammates. Though puck drop remains months away, the excitement in the Nation’s Capital only continues to grow, as fans are “charged up” to fill the Arena at TD Place to capacity, cheer loudly and build upon the success they saw in their inaugural season.
