Markowski And McMahon Impress Their Way Onto Ottawa's Roster Ahead of Season Opener

GM Mike Hirshfeld and the Ottawa Charge have whittled their roster down to 23 roster players, and the focus has now shifted to their Nov. 30 season opener against the Montreal Victoire at Place Bell.

Forward Audrey-Anne Veillette, defender Madeline Wethington and goaltender Allie Lehmann were placed on waivers Nov. 27. None were claimed by another team, and Wethington returned to Ottawa's protected list since she was drafted by the Charge in the summer.

Draft picks Mannon McMahon and Stephanie Markowski each signed one-year contracts, while training camp invites Jessica Adolfsson, Taylor House and Sam Isbell were signed as reserves.

Markowski and McMahon’s performances in the two pre-season games Ottawa played last week certainly nudged them in the right direction. In the two games, Markowski recorded a goal and two assists, while McMahon notched a goal.

“Just being able to learn from all the veterans that we have in our locker room is special in itself, but I'm just really happy to be here today, continuing to push the pace and prepare everyone for Saturday,” Markowski said.

McMahon spoke for Markowski and herself on their respective journeys to the PWHL.

“So many people that have been huge parts of our careers, and we wouldn't be there without our family and our friends, our coaches, whoever,” she said. “So to be able to play in a PWHL game would be a dream come true for both of us. So hopefully that's what we're looking forward to this weekend."

Even though three players needed to be cut from the 29-player training camp roster, head coach Carla MacLeod pointed to Ottawa’s extensive use of its reserves last season as proof that opportunities to play will inevitably arise.

“In this league, with there being no minor league system … and the physicality of it, if you learn anything from year one is everyone has to be ready to go,” she said.

That being said, MacLeod is also eager to move past roster decisions and get her team back into game action.

“Grateful for the 29 that came into camp and excited to move forward with this group as we prepare for Saturday,” she said.

The Charge kick off the season with a special three-game stretch: their season opener against Montreal; their home opener at TD Place against the Toronto Sceptres on Dec. 3; and another tilt with Montreal at Canadian Tire Centre on Dec. 6.

“We've got a really fun three-game stretch here that should be an exciting moment for all of us,” MacLeod said.

Ottawa will have to soak up all the home crowd energy they can get in those first two home games, as their Dec. 6 match at Canadian Tire Centre will be their last home game until Jan. 11. Canada’s capital is playing host to the 2025 World Junior Championship between TD Place and Canadian Tire Centre from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5.

“You can't control it,” MacLeod said of the road-heavy schedule. “At the end of the day, you're not going to make it a concern or a worry … Being on the road is fun. That's kind of the joy of the industry.

“But with the travel, obviously it comes with a little bit of fatigue too, and it's just managing it all.”

But MacLeod and her players aren’t getting too far ahead of themselves. First up is the Victoire, who handed Ottawa a 6-3 loss in the pre-season mini camp and were one of the most consistent teams last season. Still, MacLeod said she was pleased with what she saw in pre-season.

“There was a lot of upside to our game, and that's the stuff we're somewhat leaning into right now,” she said. “Lots of room to grow, and we're going to keep working at it. But I thought the two games showed us a lot about ourselves, which is helping guide us this week into Saturday.”

In particular, MacLeod said the team is working on their play without the puck, especially in shorthanded and power-play situations, which was often a weak point last season. In practices, the focus has been almost exclusively on special teams, with very little focus on 5-on-5 situations.

The Charge visit Montreal at Place Bell on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. EST.