The Ottawa Charge took a critical step to solidify their core roster on Friday by protecting forwards Gabbie Hughes, Fanuza Kadirova, and Sarah Wozniewicz from the four new PWHL expansion franchises. This move provided a significant sense of relief for the team's staff, players, and fans after a challenging initial phase of the expansion process.
Protection Details
Each existing PWHL team was allowed to protect three additional players by Friday at 5 p.m., ensuring they cannot be selected by expansion teams in future stages. The Charge's protected list now includes six players, with Rebecca Leslie, Ronja Savolainen, and Gwyneth Philips already secured in an earlier phase.
General Manager Mike Hirshfeld faced a straightforward decision in selecting Hughes, Kadirova, and Wozniewicz. After losing forwards Brianne Jenner and Emily Clark to PWHL Hamilton, protecting three proven goal-scoring forwards was the optimal strategy.
Gabbie Hughes
Securing Hughes was crucial after the departure of much of Ottawa's leadership core. She is one of the PWHL's premier two-way forwards, finishing third in regular-season scoring on the Charge with five goals and 11 assists for 16 points. Hughes anchored the shutdown second line and often faced the league's top players. As one of two players with Ottawa since the inaugural season (alongside Kateřina Mrázová), she has become a key leader and a prime candidate for a leadership letter next season.
Fanuza Kadirova
Kadirova's strong debut season made it surprising she wasn't selected earlier by an expansion team. Drafted as a wildcard in the final round last season, she exceeded expectations with 12 goals and five assists for 17 points, establishing herself as a future top scorer. With Jenner's departure, the Charge will rely on Kadirova to continue providing offensive firepower. Given that last season was her first in North American hockey, her potential for future growth is exciting.
Sarah Wozniewicz
Wozniewicz adds depth and versatility to the forward group. Her contributions will be vital as the Charge builds a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
