The Ottawa Charge is turning the page on its original core, and that may be a good thing. The team is losing its highest-paid contracts to the PWHL expansion, but this could be what the franchise needs to kickstart a retool.
Departures of Jenner and Clark
Just like that, two of the most recognizable jerseys in the Ottawa Charge fan base have become relics of a bygone era. After captain Brianne Jenner and alternate captain Emily Clark announced their departures to sign with the new Hamilton franchise, the Charge must now look elsewhere for leadership.
The significance of these losses cannot be overstated. Jenner and Clark have been pillars of Ottawa's leadership group since the team's inaugural game and played central roles in establishing the franchise's identity. Jenner leaves Ottawa as the organization's all-time leading scorer and is forever etched in history as the first Charge captain. Clark, meanwhile, appeared in all 100 games in franchise history and wore the 'A' on her jersey in every one of them.
First Team to Lose All Foundational Signings
With the departures of Jenner, Clark, and Emerance Maschmeyer — who joined Vancouver during last year's expansion process — Ottawa becomes the first PWHL club to lose all three of its foundational signings from the league's inaugural season. It's not necessarily the distinction Ottawa would want attached to their name in the PWHL history books. But at the same time, it signals an immense opportunity to reshape the organization's future.
Opportunity for a Retool
It wouldn't be a full teardown-style rebuild, but more along the lines of a retool. The concept may make fans uneasy, conjuring images of growing pains, difficult seasons, and a lengthy climb back into championship contention. Yet when viewed through a long-term lens, the Charge may actually be ahead of the curve. As one of the first teams forced to turn the page on its original core, Ottawa now has a chance to lay the foundation for its next era before many of its rivals face similar challenges.
Next Season's Leadership Group
When assessing GM Mike Hirshfeld's vision for the future of the team, look no further than how he used the team's three protection slots heading into expansion. It would come as little surprise if Rebecca Leslie was named captain next season. The Ottawa native has emerged as a natural candidate to become the face of the organization for seasons to come. Hirshfeld proudly told reporters last week that Leslie attended more than 24 community events during the season and has embraced her role in the city she calls home.
"When you put her play on the ice with the person she is off the ice, she's an amazing representative for our organization," Hirshfeld said during a Zoom availability last week. And it also helps that the 30-year-old forward had a breakout season on the ice, finishing tied for fifth in regular-season scoring with 23 points.
Defender Ronja Savolainen, who was also protected from expansion, also appears destined for a leadership role next season and could be a candidate for the captaincy herself. She's a proven leader after serving as alternate captain for the Finnish national team. And with her pre-game tradition including pre-game hugs with her Charge teammates, it would be easy to gravitate toward her positive presence in the locker room.
