Three Underrated Ottawa Charge Players to Watch

The Ottawa Charge have hit the midway point of their season as the PWHL reaches the international break, and it's safe to say they've got some work to do in the second half. The Charge sit last in the standings, a full 14 points away from first-place Montréal – but still just two points away from fourth-place Toronto. A playoff spot is very much in contention, but the Charge will need to pick up the pace for a chance at the Walter Cup.

Here's what The Athletic says, per Dom Luszczyszyn's Jan. 31 projections:

Although things haven't exactly gone according to plan for the Charge so far this season, there have been a handful of players who have stood out, for one reason or another – but maybe not the ones you would expect.

Aneta Tejralová

Perhaps not the flashiest player, Aneta Tejralová has been an underrated piece of the Charge's defense this season. She's spent most of the season playing on the team's second defensive pairing, recently bouncing down to the third pairing, but she's flexible enough to play a key role regardless of where she is in the lineup. Tejralová leads the Charge in ice time, having played over 280 minutes, and also has a team-high 23 hits. While the offensive side of her game isn't the best of Ottawa's blueliners - she has three points in 15 games - she's been a steady presence who isn't afraid to get into the dirty areas, throw the body around, and get involved wherever she's needed.

Gabbie Hughes

Forward Gabbie Hughes has recently found herself off the top line, often centering the second or third lines, but her contributions on the ice aren't reliant on which line she finds herself on. Hughes has taken the bulk of the Charge's draws this season and has won 50 percent of them - 103 of 206. She's one of just eight players across the league to have taken 200+ draws. Faceoff wins aren't the prettiest or most popular stat out there, but there's something to be said for them and how it positions your team to be in the best possible spot as the play begins. Her 16 hits are fourth-most on the team, too. Now, if only she can find the back of the net...

Ronja Savolainen

Defender Ronja Savolainen is in her first season in North America, having played the last seven seasons in the SDHL. As she adjusts to the changes in the game overseas, she's fitting in nicely with the Charge. Savolainen is second among Ottawa defenders in scoring with four points (1-3) in 13 games, and is a plus-3 on the season. She also has 24 shots on goal, most among Ottawa blueliners.

The Ottawa Charge pick up the second half of the season on Thursday, February 13 as they host the Minnesota Frost. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. and kicks off a five-game homestand.