2024-25 PWHL Preview: Ottawa Charge

After falling just short of the playoffs in their inaugural season, the Ottawa Charge are entering the 2024-25 campaign with a mission. With a mix of returning stars and exciting new additions, this team is determined to turn disappointment into success.

Storyline for the Season

Redemption is the defining narrative for the Ottawa Charge this season. Last year’s playoff miss was a bitter pill to swallow for a team with so much potential. That disappointment has only fuelled the team’s desire to prove they belong in the Walter Cup Playoffs.

Offensively, the Charge are deeper than ever, with a strong mix of experienced stars and exciting young talent. Defensively, the team is anchored by Savannah Harmon, whose two-way game and ability to shut down opposing top lines will be vital. In net, Emerance Maschmeyer remains the Charge’s rock, giving them a chance to win every night with her poise and consistency.

Location/Coaching Changes

The Charge remain at their home base, the Arena at TD Place, a setting they hope will continue to energize them throughout the season. Carla McLeod returns as head coach, providing stability and vision for the team. Known for her ability to bring out the best in her players, McLeod’s guidance will be critical as Ottawa looks to secure their first playoff appearance.

Head Coach Carla McLeod after practice today.#PWHL @TheIceGarden pic.twitter.com/gV3Na5LmbN

— Elisha Côté (@elisha_cote) November 14, 2024

Key New Arrival: Danielle Serdachny

Drafted 2nd overall in the 2024 PWHL Draft, Danielle Serdachny is the marquee addition that Charge fans have been buzzing about all offseason. At just 23 years old, Serdachny has already proven herself as a dynamic forward with elite playmaking skills, a high hockey IQ, and the ability to control the pace of play. She’s not just a scorer; she’s a facilitator who elevates everyone around her.

Serdachny’s addition gives Ottawa an instant boost to their top-six forward group, providing the offensive creativity they were missing in key moments last season. She’s expected to be a power-play staple and could become one of the league’s breakout stars this season.

Interview with Danielle Serdachny.#PWHL @TheIceGarden pic.twitter.com/0dbiE7JQQT

— Elisha Côté (@elisha_cote) November 12, 2024

Key Departure: Daryl Watts

The Charge suffered a significant loss with the departure of Daryl Watts, one of their leading scorers from last season. Watts’ ability to find the back of the net in tight games and her knack for delivering in clutch situations will undoubtedly be missed.

However, the Charge have taken steps to address this gap by bringing in Serdachny and leaning on their veteran core. Players like Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark, and Hayley Scamurra will need to step up to offset Watts’ absence, while other contributors like Gabbie Hughes and Rebecca Leslie will have opportunities to carve out larger roles.

Season Prediction

This is a redemption season for the Ottawa Charge, and they have the tools to achieve their goal. With the addition of Serdachny, the continued leadership of Jenner and Clark, and Maschmeyer’s reliability in net, the Charge have the foundation to compete for a playoff spot.

The biggest question will be consistency. Can the team find their rhythm early and maintain it throughout the longer PWHL schedule? If they can, the Charge won’t just make the playoffs—they could be a dark horse for the Walter Cup.

Prediction: Playoff Bound with Walter Cup Potential