More Than a Goalie: Emerance Maschmeyer’s Departure Leaves a Lasting Impact in Ottawa
She was more than a goalie, Emerance Maschmeyer was the heartbeat of the Ottawa Charge, and her legacy will echo far beyond the crease.
When PWHL Vancouver announced the signing of Emerance Maschmeyer to a two-year contract, it marked a major free agency move for the league’s newest franchise, and the end of a foundational chapter in Ottawa.
Maschmeyer wasn’t just a starter, she was one of the Charge’s first-ever signings, joining the team in September 2023 as part of their initial trio of foundational players alongside Emily Clark and Brianne Jenner.
From day one, she set the tone for what the franchise would become: competitive, composed, and community-driven. Whether Ottawa was in the middle of a losing streak or chasing a playoff spot, Maschmeyer’s performance rarely wavered. Her steadiness became a defining trait for the franchise in its first two seasons.
This past year, she played a pivotal role in keeping the Charge competitive during an up-and-down regular season. In 18 appearances, she posted a .913 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average while facing some of the highest shot volumes in the league.
She reached a league milestone this season as well, becoming the first goaltender in PWHL history to record 1,000 regular-season saves, a reflection of both her durability and her ability to consistently perform under pressure.
THE GREAT WALL OF MASCH 🧱
— x - Ottawa Charge (@PWHL_Ottawa) March 12, 2025
In the third period of last night's game, Emerance Maschmeyer made her 1000th career save in the PWHL, making her the first goalie in league history to hit that milestone entirely in the regular season. Congratulations, Masch! pic.twitter.com/tV3svm8tNZ
Before being sidelined by injury late in the season, Maschmeyer gave Ottawa a chance to win every night. She was often at her best in difficult situations, shutting the door during extended penalty kills, staying composed behind a young defensive core, and delivering clutch performances in tight games.
The Charge ended the season strong and made a push to the Walter Cup Final, thanks in part to the foundation Maschmeyer helped build through her early-season efforts. While rookie Gwyneth Philips rightfully drew attention for her incredible postseason performance, Maschmeyer’s absence didn’t diminish her role in getting Ottawa there.
Her early contributions were essential in giving the team room to grow, and she remained a steady, vocal presence even from the sidelines, offering support and insight as a veteran leader. Her professionalism, work ethic, and consistency helped define the Charge’s culture.
That leadership wasn’t limited to the PWHL. Maschmeyer has been a key member of Team Canada for over a decade, first representing the senior national team at the 2014 4 Nations Cup. She’s won three IIHF World Championship gold medals and was part of the 2022 Olympic gold medal-winning team.
While her role has evolved over time, shifting between starter and backup, her calm presence, technical sharpness, and competitive edge have made her a mainstay of the program.
In Ottawa, her veteran experience carried enormous weight. The Charge were building from scratch in a brand-new league, a process that required not just skill but structure. Maschmeyer provided that stability in the crease and in the dressing room, setting the tone for a roster blending international stars with young talent.
What Maschmeyer Meant to Fans
Among the many fans affected by Maschmeyer’s departure is Daniela Koslowski, who began following the Ottawa Charge in early 2024 alongside her girlfriend, Theresa.
“Theresa and I went to our first game in January 2024 just for fun to see what it was like and to support women’s sports and instantly fell in love with it,” Koslowski said.
It didn’t take long for Maschmeyer to stand out. “Theresa pointed her out to me, telling me how cool she thought our goalie was,” she said. “I started to look into her career and loved her the more I watched her play.”
As an openly queer athlete, Maschmeyer’s life off the ice, especially her marriage and motherhood, had a personal impact. “In a world where there’s still so much hate for queer people simply existing, it’s so special to Theresa and I to see people that we admire and look up to being their true authentic selves,” Koslowski said. “She doesn’t shy away from who she is or who she loves, and I think that makes her so special and amazing.”
Koslowski emphasized how meaningful that visibility can be in contrast to other leagues. “I think a big reason as to why I struggle to watch men’s leagues is because of the huge amount of hate for queer people and other minority groups,” she said. “But seeing someone like myself in a sport I’ve grown to love makes this league even more awesome.”
So when news broke of her departure for PWHL Vancouver, the reaction was emotional. “I’m not going to lie, I cried. A lot,” Koslowski admitted. “She was the first player on the team that I loved and felt a connection to. I was gutted. But she’s a starter and deserves to be a starter, so I’m happy she’s getting that opportunity!”
Koslowski had no hesitation when asked what she would say to Maschmeyer: “You are truly an inspiration to so many people. You’ve impacted myself and my girlfriend a lot more than you may ever know and I just hope you feel the love that the Ottawa fans have for you. We will be cheering your name so loud next time you play in Ottawa!”
Now, as Maschmeyer prepares to take on a new challenge in Vancouver, she brings with her everything she brought to Ottawa, elite performance, veteran leadership, and quiet strength. She leaves the Charge with a solidified identity, a strengthened goaltending pipeline, and a loyal fanbase that will never forget her role in shaping their team.
She is more than a goalie. She was the heartbeat of the Charge, and a lasting symbol of what this league can mean to the communities it touches.
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