Ottawa Charge Reinforces Future Amid PWHL Expansion
Team culture and identity have always been central to how General Manager Mike Hirshfeld builds the Ottawa Charge roster, and the recent expansion draft protection decisions are no different. As the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) enters its second expansion process in as many years, the Charge has made its first official offseason move by protecting three key players: forward Rebecca Leslie, defender Ronja Savolainen, and goaltender Gwyneth Philips.
Difficult Decisions and Future Planning
The past week has been filled with tough choices and forward-looking strategies for the Charge management as the PWHL expansion process officially begins. The protection list ensures that the four new expansion teams—Detroit, Hamilton, San Jose, and Las Vegas—cannot select these players during their roster-building activities over the coming weeks.
Hirshfeld emphasized that while creating the protection list involved difficult decisions, it highlights the importance of not just on-ice performance but also off-ice leadership and culture. The Charge is focused on developing a strong franchise identity and connecting with fans through key players.
Rebecca Leslie: A Local Leader
Ottawa-native Leslie is a standout both on and off the ice. She finished tied for fifth in the PWHL regular-season scoring with 23 points. Beyond her athletic contributions, she has attended over 24 community events, solidifying her role as a vital representative for the organization. Hirshfeld noted, 'When you put her play on the ice with the person she is off the ice, she's an amazing representative for our organization. People joke she's the mayor of Ottawa, but she really is the person who makes connections in town.'
Ronja Savolainen: Defensive Strength and Mentorship
The decision to protect Savolainen, 28, underscores the value of off-ice leadership. She improved in nearly every on-ice category this past season and is considered one of the league's top defenders. Off the ice, she has become a key part of the team's leadership group and a mentor to younger players, including rookie defender Rory Guilday. Hirshfeld praised her positive attitude, saying, 'She's always got a smile on her face, she's always positive, and I think her teammates gravitate toward that.'
Gwyneth Philips: Goaltending Stability
Philips provides stability in net for the Charge, making her an essential piece of the team's future. Her protection ensures the expansion teams cannot target Ottawa's goaltending depth.
Looking Ahead
As the PWHL expansion process continues, the Charge is building a franchise identity centered on strong team culture and community connection. With these protections in place, Ottawa aims to retain its core talent and maintain competitive momentum.
