Watts Set To Return To Ottawa, This Time As The Opponent

The last time Daryl Watts stepped on the ice at TD Place Arena in Ottawa, she was wearing the red and black of PWHL Ottawa. Tonight, as she steps on the ice where she grew to be one of the PWHL's top players, it will be wearing a rival Toronto Sceptres jersey.

Watts left the Ottawa Charge this offseason signing a two-year contract with the Toronto Sceptres early in free agency. To leave Ottawa, she turned down significantly more money in favor of Toronto. It was a hard pill to swallow for Ottawa fans who will for the first time see their former player return to the city.

“I’m looking forward to playing again and for us to keep building off of our last game," Watts said ahead of the game. "Ottawa’s fans are really passionate, so I’m sure the atmosphere will be great and fun to play in.”

Last season Watts led Ottawa in goals with 10 and was third on the team in points with 17 in 24 games, good for 12th overall in league scoring.

Conversely, it will also be the first time two new Ottawa Charge players, Rebecca Leslie and Alexa Vasko have the opportunity to face their former Toronto team. The night is certain to be emotional for all involved.

It will also be the first time Ottawa's rookies get to play in front of a home crowd after they opened their season in front of 10,033 fans in Montreal.

“I’ve never played a home game here in Ottawa, so I am excited about getting a taste for the fans and the support they bring," said Danielle Serdachny, Ottawa's second overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Draft. "I know the home crowd kind of helped out Montréal in different ways last Saturday. I know Ottawa will be doing the same thing. Hopefully we walk away with our first win of the season.”

Puck drop between Ottawa and Toronto is at 7pm EST.