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Ottawa Charge

Red Scarf Union: The Passionate Heart of Ottawa Charge Fans

The Red Scarf Union is the beating heart of the Ottawa Charge fandom.

Red Scarf Union: The Passionate Heart of Ottawa Charge Fans
PWHL Ottawa and Montreal face off at the Arena at TD Place in Ottawa on April 27th, 2024. (Photo credit: Andrea Cardin)

The Ottawa Charge's inaugural season has sparked excitement across the city, but few groups embody that enthusiasm as profoundly as the Red Scarf Union (RSU). Born from a deep love of hockey and a commitment to community, RSU has emerged as a powerful force in supporting the Ottawa Charge and the growth of women’s hockey. Guided by passion, inclusivity, and a clear mission, RSU's story is one of unwavering dedication and transformative impact.

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The Birth of the Red Scarf Union

RSU's roots stretch back to 2007 when it was founded to rally support for the Ottawa Senators. By 2014, RSU became a key partner in enhancing the fan experience at the Canadian Tire Centre, introducing the Sens Supporter Section and transforming Section 312 into a section of energy and pride.

When the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) was announced, RSU seized the opportunity to expand its mission, founding a dedicated supporters’ group for the Ottawa Charge. “Supporting our new women’s league felt vital,” RSU’s leader Dan explains. “It was a natural next step, building on years of experience and enthusiasm for fostering dynamic sports fandom.”

RSU’s Mission

RSU’s mission is simple yet powerful: to cultivate an inclusive, vibrant community of Charge supporters while amplifying the visibility of women’s hockey in Ottawa. RSU isn’t just about cheering from the stands—it’s about creating a safe, welcoming space where fans of all backgrounds can unite over their shared love of the game.

“We aim to inspire the next generation of athletes and promote equality in professional sports,” Dan shares. This is reflected in RSU’s commitment to fostering a home-ice advantage for the Ottawa Charge and engaging fans through game-day initiatives, online platforms, and charitable endeavours.

The digital age has played a vital role in RSU’s success. The group’s online presence—anchored by platforms like Facebook and Twitter—serves as the heartbeat of its community. The Facebook group functions as an organizational hub for planning watch parties, coordinating ride shares, and facilitating ticket exchanges, while Twitter connects RSU with a wider audience, showcasing its passion and engaging with fans in real time.

But RSU’s impact extends far beyond screens. The group organizes in-person events like game-day meetups and away-game trips, fostering connections that deepen members’ bond with the team and each other.

The RSU Powerplay Promise

RSU’s dedication to community-building took on new dimensions with the launch of the Powerplay Promise, a charitable program to support vulnerable groups. Spearheaded by Tris Sparling, RSU’s Community Manager, the initiative partners with organizations like Kids Up Front Ottawa, Kind Space, and NEADS to provide access and opportunities for underrepresented groups.

One standout initiative was a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $1,200 in just one week for the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), a testament to the group’s commitment to making a difference both on and off the ice.

The program builds on a successful 2023 pilot, "26 for 26," which donated 26 game tickets to kids in honor of player Emily Clark’s jersey number. The Powerplay Promise has now rebranded into a broader initiative encompassing ticket donations, fundraising, and awareness campaigns.

“It’s about connecting the community and ensuring no one is left behind,” Tris says. “If someone’s struggling, is anyone really thriving?”

Charged by Passion

RSU members describe the group as a sanctuary—an inclusive space free of judgment where everyone feels safe to express their love for women’s hockey. “Kindness and positive energy” are core values that define RSU’s culture, as echoed by members like Annie West: “I love that there’s finally a space where I feel safe while enjoying the sport I love.”

This sense of belonging fuels RSU’s growth and engagement, even during the offseason. Members contribute year-round by sharing artwork, designing clothing, and sparking discussions about women’s hockey.

If one phrase could encapsulate RSU, it’s “Charged by Passion.” More than a fan group, RSU is a testament to the transformative power of sports to unite communities, uplift individuals, and inspire change.

“We’re not just a fan group,” Dan says. “We’re a movement—a hockey family built on care, positivity, and shared love for the game.”

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