‘Charge Avenue': Ottawa Renames Bank Street to Celebrate Charge's Playoff Run
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The City of Ottawa has gone all in on its support for the PWHL's Ottawa Charge, officially renaming a stretch of the city's iconic Bank Street to 'Charge Avenue' in honour of the team's inaugural playoff berth.
Bank Street—home to TD Place and a major artery through Ottawa's downtown core—will carry the temporary new name throughout the postseason. The symbolic gesture comes as the Charge prepare for their opening-round matchup against Montreal, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. ET on TSN and RDS in Canada.
'We've been privileged from the onset to call TD Place home and have such incredible support,' said head coach Carla MacLeod. 'The fan base is unbelievable. Now you can tell people to head on down to Charge Avenue—that's where you're going to find the action.'
The renaming was coordinated in partnership with the city and area councillor Shawn Menard. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe praised the initiative and the team's broader impact.
'We had a few conversations at City Hall, including with Councillor Menard and a few others,' Sutcliffe said. 'We discussed what the options would be and started preparing. We wanted to show our support for the team and remind them that we are with them in this. We're very proud of them.'
For the players, the tribute was both emotional and energizing.
'It's just so cool,' said Mannon McMahon. 'The city of Ottawa has been supporting us all season long, so I think this playoff run is more for them as we look to bring the Walter Cup home to Ottawa.'
'It was really cool to see 'Charge Avenue' up there and have [Brianne Jenner] leading the way,' added Gabbie Hughes. 'It just speaks volumes to what the city means to us.'
Alexa Vasko echoed the sentiment: 'I think it's one of a kind, and we were informed that it's all the way down Bank Street. It's so cool to see 'Charge Avenue' up on the streets and I was happy to be a part of it.'
With the city rallying behind them and 'Charge Avenue' setting the tone, the Ottawa Charge head into the postseason with momentum, belief, and the unwavering support of a community that's been behind them from day one. As they travel to Montreal, they carry more than just a playoff berth—they carry the pride of an entire city.
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