Sanni Ahola Excited for Her Next Chapter with the Ottawa Charge

The Ottawa Charge added a steady presence to their goaltending group at the 2025 PWHL Draft, selecting Finnish netminder Sanni Ahola in the fifth round (37th overall). Known for her poised style and international pedigree, Ahola is eager to make the jump to pro hockey, and to experience Ottawa for the very first time.

“It was a relief for sure,” Ahola shared with The Ice Garden following the draft. “For some reason, I actually thought I would hear my name a little sooner… but super happy about that. Relieved, and happy to be part of the organization.”

Ottawa, this year’s host city, delivered a memorable atmosphere at the draft. Fans in the packed auditorium made their voices heard, especially when Ottawa’s earlier pick, Rory Guilday, was selected. That energy didn’t go unnoticed by Ahola, even from across the Atlantic.

“I’ve been hearing a lot about the fans, that they’re the best fans in the league,” Ahola smiled. “I could not be more excited to play for them at some point. Super excited about that.”

Ahola followed the draft from Europe, where she’s been this summer. The six hour time difference meant a long night for the 25-year-old, but the moment was worth the wait.

“I did not sleep, almost at all,” she laughed. “Maybe 40 minutes. So yeah, I was up all night.”

For Ahola, Ottawa represents more than a new city, it’s the latest stop on a remarkable journey that has taken her from Finland to the NCAA, to the international stage, and now to the top professional league in women’s hockey.

Ahola recently wrapped up a five-year career at St. Cloud State, where she set new program records in wins and shutouts, earned WCHA Goaltender of the Year honours, and helped elevate the Huskies into national contention. On the international stage, she’s become a staple in Finland’s goaltending rotation, earning back-to-back bronze medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship.

5th round pick! 👉 @PWHL_Ottawa welcomes Sanni Ahola to the capital! 🥅⚡️ #PWHL #IIHF pic.twitter.com/j8giCFqd5U

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 25, 2025

When she arrives in Ottawa this fall for training camp, it will mark her first time in the city. But she’s already feeling welcomed, with teammates past and present reaching out.

“I actually reached out to my fellow Finn, Ronja [Savolainen],” Ahola shared. “Just had to say, ‘Hey teammate!’ and stuff like that.”

Their connection runs deeper than just national team appearances: Ahola and Savolainen played together years ago back in Finland, making this reunion even more meaningful.

“It’s kind of like a reunion after a very long time,” Ahola smiled. “She’s an awesome person, so funny and caring. I couldn’t be more excited.”

Ahola also received a message from Charge captain Brianne Jenner, welcoming her to the organization and offering support as she transitions to her new home.

That sense of community will be crucial as Ahola steps into a competitive goaltending group led by returning starter Gwyneth Philips, who backstopped Ottawa to the Walter Cup Finals last season and was named Playoff MVP.

The two are no strangers to each other. They faced off during the 2023-24 NCAA season, when Ahola’s St. Cloud squad blanked Northeastern 2-0 on October 20, 2023.

“She stole that game,” Philips recalled. “I wasn’t super familiar with her at the time, but she’s been on my radar ever since.”

Philips, who prides herself on learning from fellow goalies, is eager to share the crease with Ahola in Ottawa.

“I love playing with different goalies; there's a lot I can learn from her,” Philips explained. “From what I’ve heard, I think we play pretty different styles, so I love that. I can read things from her game, and maybe she can figure out if I have anything she wants to take.”

Ahola has been keeping tabs on Philips as well, both at the PWHL level and internationally.

“She’s an amazing goalie,” Ahola said. “I watched some of the games—not all the playoff games, since they were during the night—but I usually watched the highlights. I’ve followed her at Worlds too, and she’s phenomenal.”

It’s not just Philips’ play that caught Ahola’s attention, but also her off-ice personality and road trip adventures on TikTok.

@gwynethphilips Okay so Day 3 we had a pillow and a sleeping pad!!! Still just drove a bunch but it’s getting easier and prettier to look out the window. Also the lock doesn’t lock but the door opens so that’s all I really care about. #PWHL#PWHLH#PWHLHockeym#WomensHockeyc#HockeyLife#OffSeasonGrindc#HockeyPlayer#GoalieLife#PWHLPlayer#AthleteAdventure#HockeyContent#RoadTripUSA#CrossCountryTrip#SoloRoadripm##CampingVibes#CampLife#VanLife#AdventureTime#NatureTherapy#WanderlustVibes#DirtbagDreams#TinyTrailerLife#LifeOnTheRoad#RoadTripGoals#NationalParkTour#GirlsWhoCamp#BackroadExplorers#WestCoastWanderer#NationalParksUSA#FindYourPark#ExploreAmerica#HikingAdventuresr#ParkRangerVibesb#PublicLands#LeaveNoTrace#Yosemite#ZionNationalPark#RedwoodNationalParkg#Hikemoreworthless#WildernessCulture#SheExplores#ForYou#FYPk#tiktoktravel#TikTokAdventure#TravelTok#AdventureTok#CampingTok#HikingTok#WomenWhoExplore#WildernessWoman#OutdoorGirlies#SoloTravel#SheTravels#ExploreWithMe ♬ original sound - gwynethphilips

“I’ve seen some of her TikToks about her road trip and they look so funny,” Ahola laughed. “I feel like she’s a super fun person off the ice as well. I can’t wait to meet her and play on the same team.”

As for what Charge fans can expect from her game, Ahola prides herself on bringing calmness and reliability to the crease.

“I don’t like to make a big deal out of myself or flashy windmill saves,” she explained. “I’m usually pretty calm. And I’ve heard from my teammates that my calmness kind of spreads to them: they can do their job and trust me behind them.”

Her pregame routine usually includes a mix of soccer (or “sewer ball”), hand-eye drills with tennis balls, and a newer addition: vision warm-ups to stay sharp.

For Ahola, joining the Charge represents more than just another career step. It is an opportunity to contribute to a team with high expectations and a passionate fanbase.

“I just hope they keep coming to the games, cheer us on, and hopefully we’ll get the championship next season,” she said with a smile.

With her calm demeanor, international experience, and excitement to embrace her new city, Sanni Ahola is ready to bring her game, and her quiet confidence, to Ottawa.