PWHL Ottawa: 2024 Draft Recap

As the anticipation built and the spotlight shone brightly on the 2024 PWHL draft, Ottawa fans eagerly awaited the moment when their team’s future would take shape. Held at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, the event marked the dawn of a new year for the league. With a blend of rising stars and seasoned veterans, let’s delve into each of Ottawa’s selections and the potential impact they could have on the team’s quest for the Walter Cup.

2nd – Danielle Serdachny 

Ottawa wasted no time securing top-tier talent with their second overall pick, selecting forward Danielle Serdachny from Colgate University. The Edmonton native is known for her exceptional playmaking abilities and on-ice vision, Serdachny has been a standout in collegiate hockey, leading her team in points. She also recently helped the Canadian national team by scoring the gold medal-winning goal at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championships. Her physicality and offensive skills are expected to make her a star in Ottawa’s lineup.

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8th – Ronja Savolainen

With the eighth overall pick, Ottawa turned their attention to the international stage, drafting Finnish defenseman Ronja Savolainen. Savolainen brings a wealth of experience from her time in the SDHL and international competitions, including multiple World Championships and Olympic Games. The 5’10” defender’s solid defensive skills will bolster Ottawa’s blue line and her powerful shot from the point makes her a dual threat. Off the ice, her experience and professional demeanor will be invaluable in guiding younger players and integrating a strong defensive corps within the team.

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14th – Gwyneth Philips

In the fourteenth spot, Ottawa selected the first goaltender of the draft, Gwyneth Philips from Northeastern University. 2023 National Goaltender of the Year Philips has been a brick wall in the net, boasting impressive save percentages. Her career at Northeastern is highlighted by numerous shutouts and key victories in high-stakes games. This past season she had an impressive save percentage of .955 and a goal-against average of 1.17. With Sandra Abstreiter still unsigned, Philips could be the perfect backup to Emerance Maschmeyer.

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20th – Stephanie Markowski

Defenseman Stephanie Markowski from Ohio State University was chosen with the twentieth overall pick. Markowski’s strong defensive play and ability to read the game effectively make her a key addition to Ottawa’s defensive roster. At Ohio, she was known for her shot-blocking prowess, ability to disrupt plays, and skill in breaking out of the defensive zone. This past season she put up 27 points in 39 games. Markowski’s versatility allows her to excel in various situations, whether on the penalty kill, during even strength, or contributing offensively when needed. 

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26th – Mannon McMahon

Ottawa selected forward Mannon McMahon from the University of Minnesota Duluth with the twenty-sixth overall pick. Throughout her collegiate career, she has been a consistent offensive contributor, known for her ability to score timely goals and create opportunities for her teammates. McMahon’s tenacity on the forecheck and ability to win battles along the boards makes her a persistent threat to opposing defenses.

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32nd – Anna Meixner

With their 32nd pick, Ottawa added more international flair by selecting 29-year-old Austrian forward Anna Meixner. Meixner brings a wealth of experience from European leagues most recently in the SDHL and international play. Her offensive talent and scoring ability will provide an additional boost to Ottawa’s forward corps. Meixner is known for her quick release and accurate shot, making her a constant threat in the offensive zone. Her vision and creativity enable her to set up plays effectively, while her strong skating allows her to evade defenders and find open ice. Meixner’s passion for the game and dedication to improvement make her a valuable addition to Ottawa’s lineup.

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38th – Madeline Wethington

With their final pick in the draft, Ottawa selected defenseman Madeline Wethington from the University of Minnesota. The 23-year-old is a solid, two-way defender known for her strong positional play and ability to contribute offensively. During her time with the Golden Gophers, she showcased her ability to shut down top opponents while also being a significant offensive presence from the blue line putting up 24 points this past season. Her strong skating, and ability to make smart, quick decisions under pressure make her a great final pick.

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With these selections, Ottawa has set a solid foundation for the future. Each player brings a unique set of skills and experiences, creating a balanced team ready to compete. Fans can look forward to seeing an even more skilled and physical team next season as they push to bring home Ottawa’s first Walter Cup.