Brianne Jenner has made a significant move in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), becoming the first player to sign with the expansion team in Hamilton. After three seasons as captain of the Ottawa Charge, Jenner will now play for the newly formed Hamilton franchise, bringing her closer to her hometown of Oakville, Ontario.
A New Chapter for Jenner
The league announced on Friday that Jenner had signed a three-year contract with Hamilton. The 35-year-old forward expressed mixed emotions about leaving Ottawa, where she had intended to finish her career. In a social media post, Jenner stated, "While it was my intention to continue and finish my career in Ottawa, the organization has decided to move in a different direction, and my time here has come to a close."
Impact on the Ottawa Charge
Jenner was one of the foundational players for the Charge, joining as one of the first three players signed ahead of the PWHL's inaugural season. She quickly became the team's all-time leading scorer, amassing 28 goals and 33 assists for 61 points in 82 games. Her performance in the most recent season was a career high across all offensive categories, earning her a nomination for the league's Forward of the Year award.
Beyond her on-ice contributions, Jenner was deeply involved in the Ottawa community. She served as the honorary captain of the Capital City Condors, an adaptive and inclusive hockey team for players with special needs. At every home game, she invited Condors athletes to sit on "Brianne's Bench" and watch the action from ice level. In her statement, Jenner expressed her love for Ottawa, saying, "I couldn't have envisioned how much I would fall in love with this city and amazing community."
Reactions and Future Plans
Ottawa Charge general manager Mike Hirshfeld also issued a statement on social media, thanking Jenner for her contributions. "Brianne was pivotal in setting the foundation of the culture in a new franchise in Ottawa," Hirshfeld wrote. "Her contribution on and off the ice made her a pillar for our organization and the community." He wished Jenner, her wife Hayleigh, and their three children the best in their new chapter.
Last season, Jenner was one of the highest-paid players in the league, earning $122,003 according to the players association salary guide. Her move to Hamilton is part of Phase 2 of the PWHL's six-phase roster-distribution process, as the league expands from eight to twelve teams. By the end of Phase 2, each expansion team is expected to have signed its first five players.
The signing marks a major step for the Hamilton franchise as it builds its roster for the upcoming season. Jenner's experience and leadership will be invaluable as the team aims to establish itself in the league.
