The PWHL’s inaugural season started on the first day of 2024, and one month later, the league is thriving. Every one of the six teams has been a success, but locally, it has been Ottawa’s team making a splash. I attended a sold-out game between Ottawa and New York at TD Place Arena to get a sense of the atmosphere around the league.
Fans wait to get inside to watch Ottawa’s PWHL team take on New York on February 4, 2024. Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
PWHL Ottawa had suffered a few heartbreaking losses in a row heading into their February 4 matchup against New York. The team came out inspired in the first period, quickly taking the lead with a great shot from Aneta Tejralová. Ottawa continued their great performance, with goalkeeper Emerance Maschmeyer making some crucial saves. The team kept up the pressure, getting some great chances that hit the post, with New York trying to mount a comeback.
Heading into the third period, the score was still 1-0. That’s when Ottawa increased their lead with two great goals from Lexie Adziya and Savannah Harmon, two major stars of the team. However, a team of New York’s quality wouldn’t give up that easily. With less than six minutes left in regulation, they scored three successive goals to take the game into overtime. A thrilling match concluded overtime, as New York’s Alex Carpenter found the net for her second goal of the day.
PWHL Ottawa vs. New York, February 4, 2024. Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
It was another heartbreaking loss for Ottawa; however, there was still an air of optimism around the team. In her post-game press conference, Lexie Adziya said, “When we are playing our game, I truly think we can be a top team in this league. This group is great—great people and great talent on the ice.”
Objectively, Adziya is not wrong. With her leading the offensive line and Savannah Harmon backing her up, Ottawa has two constant goal threats. The pair has combined for 11 points over seven games, marking them as dangerous for any opposition. Ottawa also has a bunch of great forwards in Emily Clark, Hayley Scamurra, and Gabbie Hughes. Captain Brianne Jenner, named PWHL’s second star for last week’s performances, is an ever-reliable presence on the ice as well.
Fans erupt with joy at the PWHL Ottawa vs. New York game on February 4, 2024. Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
The defence is solidified by Ashton Bell, Zoe Boyd, and Amanda Boulier. Behind them is Maschmayer, Ottawa’s fearless goalkeeper. Despite her being undersized for a typical goalie, her instincts and ability more than justify her place as the starting goalkeeper. With a save percentage above 0.900, she is one of the premier goalies in the whole league.
The team is extremely promising and still finding its footing in a short span of games. Carla MacLeod, coach of PWHL Ottawa, said, “We are so young. We are kind of toddlers in this whole process. It’s [about] taking advantage of every day that we got and we have done that. We are getting better; we can see it in a lot of areas.” This improvement is something the fans can sense as well.
Just like any other sporting event, the best part of it all was seeing all the kids running around with jerseys and signs for their favourite players. In a sport that has been dominated by male professionals, young girls filled up the arena to see their new heroes take to the ice. Accompanied by adults who cheered just as loud for the team, TD Place packed in 8,062 fans that night, according to the team. The support for Ottawa was evident, as every save, shot and face-off win was cheered on. However, there was a small band of New York fans who were not shy to show their support.
PWHL Ottawa vs. New York, February 4, 2024. Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
Overall, the league seems to have a strong fan base increasing in size, a fact just as important to the players and staff of each team. At the post-game conference, Savannah Harmon said, “Our fans are absolutely incredible. We are just really proud to play in front of them.” That sentiment was shared by her coach, who said, “Ottawa has been so good. We couldn’t have asked for a better start from a league perspective.”
The scenes after the game only reinforced Coach MacLeod’s comments, as New York PWHL players were scattered all over the floor talking with their supporters. The atmosphere for both teams was incredible, and it truly felt like each game was a celebration of hockey. Every fan is there to cheer on their local team and the great start that the league has had. PWHL Ottawa has been a huge proponent of this atmosphere in the capital. Despite a few competitive shortcomings, the city is lucky to have a great hockey team improving and helping to promote women’s hockey.
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