Ottawa Charge 2025 PWHL Draft Preview

It’s a historic night for women’s hockey, as the PWHL Entry Draft heads to Canadian soil for the first time in the nation's capital! The 2025 PWHL Entry Draft kicks off tonight at 7PM EST, and the Ottawa Charge are ready to add some new names to the locker room.

After a season that saw Ottawa battle all the way to the Walter Cup Final, expectations are high, but this team enters the draft with plenty of work to do. The Charge were hit hard by the expansion draft, losing key pieces on the back end and up front, and they’ve been quiet so far in free agency. With seven picks in tonight’s draft, Ottawa has the chance to retool and build toward another playoff run.

Let’s break down where things stand and who could be hearing their name called by the Charge.

Where the Charge Stand

The Charge held their ground as one of the PWHL’s toughest teams last season, thanks to rock-solid goaltending and standout seasons from Tereza Vanišová, Asthon Bell, and rising star Gwyneth Philips.

But they’ll be missing a few familiar faces this year. Ottawa lost defenders Ashton Bell and Aneta Tejralová in the expansion draft. Bell, in particular, leaves a massive hole on the blue line as a key puck mover and all-situations player. Vanišová on the other hand decided to head out west and sign with PWHL Vancouver during the PWHL's free agency period.

VANI TO VANCOUVER ‼️

We’ve signed forward Tereza Vanišová to a two-year Standard Player Agreement.
📰 https://t.co/8Imn3PzGlI pic.twitter.com/uOJPcjq19S

— PWHL Vancouver (@PWHL__Vancouver) June 17, 2025

Add to that a quiet free agency period, and it’s clear tonight’s draft is critical to restocking Ottawa’s defensive core and adding scoring depth.

Here is an overview of the Charge's offseason so far:

Expansion Draft Losses:

• Emerance Maschmeyer (G)
• Ashton Bell (D)
• Danielle Serdachny (F)
• Aneta Tejralová (D)

Free Agency Departures:

• Tereza Vanišová (F)
• Shiann Darkangelo (F)
• Zoe Boyd (D)
• Jincy Roese (D)
• Natalie Snodgrass (F)

Free Agency Additions:

• Emma Bergesen (D)
• Brooke Hobson (D)
• Elizabeth Giguère (F)

Players Re-Signed:

• Rebecca Leslie (F) – Re-signed to a two-year deal
• Taylor House (F) – Re-signed to a one-year contract

Restricted Free Agents Still Unsigned:

• Mannon McMahon (F)
• Stephanie Markowski (D)
• Anna Meixner (F)

Players Already Under Contract for 2025-26:

• Gwyneth Philips (G)
• Jocelyne Larocque (D)
• Ronja Savolainen (D)
• Katerina Mrázová (F)
• Brianne Jenner (F)
• Emily Clark (F)
• Gabbie Hughes (F)

Who’s On Ottawa’s Radar?

The Charge own the 5th pick in every round.

Round 1 (5th Overall)

Look for Ottawa to target a defender early, especially with the departure of Bell and Tejralová:

• Nicole Gosling (Clarkson, D) – Team Canada experience, offensive instincts, and puck-moving ability make Gosling one of the most pro-ready defenders in the class. Her playmaking from the back end would help replace Bell's impact.
• Rory Guilday (Cornell, D) – A stay-at-home defender with size, leadership, and grit. Guilday played a massive role in Cornell’s Frozen Four run and fits Ottawa’s identity as a hard-to-play-against team.
• Ella Huber (Minnesota, F) – Captain of the Gophers and a reliable, versatile forward. Huber put up 48 points this season and plays in all situations. A high-hockey IQ player who can contribute offensively but also brings defensive responsibility, exactly the kind of smart, mature player Ottawa values.

Rounds 2–3

Expect Ottawa to look for players who can contribute quickly, especially with their middle-six forward group and defence still under construction.

• Peyton Hemp (F, Minnesota) — Right-shot center with leadership qualities. Strong faceoff numbers and a proven scorer in high-pressure moments.
• Abby Hustler (F, St. Lawrence) — One of the most complete offensive players available after Round 1. Hustler racked up 158 points in 154 NCAA games, including 39 this season, and combines skill with physicality.
• Kendall Cooper (D, Quinnipiac) — Mobile, reliable defender with transition skills and offensive upside. Adds depth to a thin defensive corps.

Rounds 4–7

Some players the Charge might target in the later rounds if still available:

Goaltenders:

• Amanda Thiele (G, Ohio State) — Two-time national champion, experienced starter for one of the NCAA’s best programs, winner’s pedigree.
• Kaitlyn Ross (G, Mount Royal) — U SPORTS standout with elite numbers (.943 SV%, National Champion), a reliable late-round goaltending project.

Forwards:

• Emma Gentry (F, St. Cloud State) — Smart, gritty forward who’s thrived in tough matchups; reliable, all-situations player.
• Mackenzie Kordic (F, UBC) — Strong skating, offensive instincts, former Canada West scoring leader.

Defenders:

• Tamara Giaquinto (D, Boston Univ.) — Shut-down defender with offensive potential, top-tier Hockey East performer.
• Dayle Ross (D, St. Cloud State) — NCAA’s premier shot-blocker, physical defender with penalty kill value.

The Bottom Line

The Ottawa Charge enter tonight’s draft with work to do, but also with plenty of opportunity. With seven picks in hand and glaring holes on the blue line and in the forward group, this is a chance to reset and retool after an offseason full of turnover.

Of course, nothing is set in stone. Draft picks can be traded, and Ottawa could look to move up the board or flip picks for immediate roster help depending on how the night unfolds. But whether they stay put or shake things up, expect defence to be the early priority, with smart, high-upside forwards and goaltending depth also on the radar.

They’ve been quiet in free agency so far, but draft day could be the spark to set the Charge back on course toward another playoff run.

Bring on the next generation of PWHL talent 🤩

Tune in on June 24 at 7pm ET for the 2025 PWHL Entry Draft presented by Upper Deck! pic.twitter.com/quMinnJGlo

— PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) June 23, 2025

Make sure to stay tuned on The Ice Garden’s social channels, as I’ll be at the draft in Ottawa bringing you updates, reactions, and all the news as it happens!