Ottawa Charges into the New Year with Win at Home

The Ottawa Charge’s New Year's resolution came true in their first game of the year. In the pre-game interview, when asked about resolutions, the Charge player jokingly said, “maybe get a regulation win.” And they did exactly that in a 5-2 victory. 

It was Ottawa Charge Captain, Brianne Jenner, who opened the scoring early in the first. The Charge are now an impressive 17-1 when Jenner scores. Goaltending on both sides held strong, leaving Ottawa with a 1-0 lead heading into the second period. 

The Frost came out hot in the second period, starting with a 1:28 power-play. Kelly Pannek wasted no time scoring just 38 seconds into the period for her 4th of the season. Next to score would be Emily Clark, taking it end to end for her first goal and point of the season. Last season, Clark put up 24 points with 12 goals and 12 assists through the regular season and playoffs, leading the Charge to protect her in the expansion draft. Now that she has broken through, expect her to see her heat up in the Charge’s upcoming games. 

Minutes later, it was Charge rookie Sarah Wozniewicz, who extended their lead for her second of the season. Her first goal also came against the Frost, scoring the overtime winner at the Chicago Takeover Tour, kicking off the Charge’s win streak. 

Then it was Kateřina Mrázová, near the end of the Charge power-play, capitalizing on the advantage to give Ottawa a three-goal lead. But, not long after Britta Curl-Salemme found an answer for the Frost off a pass from Kelly Pannek. Curl stays as the league’s point leader, now with 11, while Kelly Pannek is now tied for second with Brianne Jenner at 10. 

The Frost continued to push but couldn’t break through the Charge, leading them to pull Maddie Rooney in a final push to come back. But it would be Charge Captain Brianne Jenner who’d capitalize on the empty net, wrapping up the game 5-2. With the win, the Ottawa Charge move up to 6th in the standings with 12 points.

A Force Between the Pipes

Gwyneth Philips has been incredible for the Charge’s backend, keeping them in games against strong offences like the Minnesota Frost. In the game, Philips had 24 saves, facing the second-least amount of shots this season. She is now tied with Aerin Frankel and Kayle Osbourne for most goalie wins this season, sitting with 5. 

Philips is set to make her Olympic debut at the Milano-Cortina Games this February for the US as they look to carry their momentum from their full series sweep in the 2025 Rivalry Series. Joining her from the Charge will be rookie defender, Rory Guilday. 

Frost Headed to the Olympics 

Kendall Coyne-Schofield is set to her fourth Olympic appearance, her first as a mom. She was a part of the 2018 team that brought home gold, as well as the 2022 and 2014 teams that brought home silver. Joining her is Lee Stecklein also making her fourth appearance, along with Kelly Pannek who’s making her third and Grace Zumwinkle who is making her second. 

Making their Olympic debut are Britta Curl-Salemme and Taylor Heise. Curl has been a force in the PWHL this season leading the league in points and assists. While Heise has gotten off to a slow start in the PWHL, her dominant performance paired with Abbey Murphy in the 2025 Rivalry Series shows she’s a force to be reckoned with.