Latest news with #MikeHirshfeld
National Post
a day ago
- Sport
- National Post
How Emerance Maschmeyer built a home in Ottawa — from the crease out
Article content Emerance Maschmeyer had no idea what to expect when she first put pen to paper with Ottawa's newly awarded PWHL franchise in 2023. Article content Article content Two years later, she leaves with a family, a loyal fan base and a franchise built from scratch. Article content Though she's heading to Vancouver next season as part of the league's expansion — a sign of the league's rapid success — Maschmeyer leaves knowing she helped establish the kind of stability she once thought was out of reach. Article content Article content Fresh out of Harvard University, she had no illusions. A viable professional women's hockey league felt like a long shot. Her three seasons in the now-defunct Canadian Women's Hockey League were a drastic step down from the resources she'd had in college. Article content Article content She played in community rinks, not storied arenas. There were no salaries, no major sponsorships, no elite sports medicine or training facilities. The league wobbled constantly on the edge of insolvency. Article content Article content 'I soon found out after I graduated that I had been treated the most professional in college,' Maschmeyer told Postmedia. 'I thought that was kind of it. I didn't really ever expect to be able to play in a viable professional league.' Article content Article content In the fall of 2023, she signed on in Ottawa — drawn by GM Mike Hirshfeld's vision, the opportunity to help build something new and the comfort of sharing it with close friends Emily Clark and Brianne Jenner. Article content Article content 'Knowing that those two were going to be on this journey together, it just made it all the more special,' Jenner said. Article content Article content Article content What none of them could have predicted was how quickly the PWHL would take off. When news broke that TD Place had sold out for Ottawa's home opener, Maschmeyer began to realize the league's momentum had already carried far beyond its players. Article content Article content 'I had tears in my eyes, chills all over my body,' she said, recalling the January 2023 game. 'I expected a big moment, but I didn't really expect to feel that much emotion and for the fans to feel it with us. Article content Article content 'But then after that first game, it just continued to happen again and again and again.' Article content Article content Packed arenas became commonplace, and Maschmeyer became a cornerstone of the team's appeal. Article content Article content On the ice, she was the league's most dependable netminder, playing in all but one of Ottawa's 24 regular-season games in its inaugural campaign. She was also the busiest, becoming the first PWHL goaltender to stop 1,000 shots earlier this season. Article content Article content 'She's been one of our best players, if not our best player, in these first two years,' Jenner said. 'And it's a testament to the work that she puts into her craft.'
CBC
29-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
After close loss in PWHL Finals, Ottawa Charge brace for roster shakeup
Social Sharing The Ottawa Charge have plenty to be proud of after a strong showing in the Professional Women's Hockey League's second season, but the real test lies ahead with inevitable roster changes. Following a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to the Minnesota Frost in the deciding Game 4 of the Walter Cup final on Monday, players were still processing the defeat while also dealing with uncertainty about what the team will look like next season. As the league prepares to expand into Vancouver and Seattle, the Charge and the other five current teams will lose four players to the expansion draft. Each team can protect three players initially, with the option to protect a fourth after two are selected. Protection lists are due next Tuesday, and with significant changes expected, the Charge's path forward is anything but certain. General manager Mike Hirshfeld said they have already decided on who they will protect and will be letting players know Thursday during exit meetings. "It's going to be a tough day," Hirshfeld said. "I'm sure of it, not looking forward to some of the conversations, but I also understand that this is a great moment for this league." The Charge (12-2-4-12) finished third in the regular season to advance to the playoffs for the first time. Ottawa beat top-seeded Montreal Victoire in the opening semifinal round to earn a berth in the final. The PWHL expansion draft: Explained 7 days ago Duration 0:55 CBC Sports' Karissa Donkin runs through the rules of the PWHL's expansion draft, explaining how new clubs in Seattle and Vancouver will fill their roster. Ottawa had a strong showing in the final, but an inability to score when most needed proved costly as defending champion Minnesota took the best-of-five series 3-1. Every game required overtime and was decided by one goal. "There's a lot to be proud of this group and this year, highs and lows, injuries of top players, and there's a lot that happened this year and to be where we ended up is pretty special," said forward Gabbie Hughes. "That just speaks volumes to the group that we have." 'A lot of opportunity ahead' There was much to like from where Ottawa started the season to where it ended. The Charge failed to qualify for the playoffs last season but were able to persevere and punch their ticket on the final day of the regular season. "Really proud of the gains we made here from year one to year two," said coach Carla MacLeod. "But, you know, by no means are we going to sit back and rest on our laurels. We're going to keep going here, so there's a lot of opportunity ahead of us." WATCH | Philips claims Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP award: Charge goaltender Gwyneth Philips claims Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP award 3 days ago Duration 1:08 Much will be made of goaltender Gwyneth Philips's emergence. Philips had a limited role as Emerance Maschmeyer's backup early in the season, but when the veteran netminder went down in March the 25-year-old rookie stepped in with poise making a strong impression in net. Through eight playoff games Philips posted a .952 save percentage, made 257 of 270 saves throughout the Charge's playoff run and was named 2025 Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. "For a goalie to have success, you know, people in front of them have to be playing well, and I think we played really well, especially defensively," Philips said. "And so, I think definitely some other people in the series it could have gone to them, but I think it does kind of validate how good we were defensively." Philips admitted the expansion draft served as incentive through the playoffs. "We knew this team wasn't going to look the same, and how much respect and love we had for each other, we wanted to go out with a bang." Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark, and Maschmeyer were Ottawa's first signings when the league launched, but it would be surprising to see all three return next season. While they understand it's part of the business it doesn't make it any easier. "I think growth for the league is great, it's exciting," said Clark. "But obviously it's not lost on us that the reality is that there could be some big changes."
Globe and Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
After close loss in PWHL final, Ottawa Charge brace for roster shakeup
The Ottawa Charge have plenty to be proud of after a strong showing in the Professional Women's Hockey League's second season, but the real test lies ahead with inevitable roster changes on the horizon. Following a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to the Minnesota Frost in the deciding Game 4 of the Walter Cup final on Monday, players were still processing the defeat while also dealing with uncertainty about what the team will look like next season. As the league prepares to expand into Vancouver and Seattle, the Charge, and the other five current teams, will lose four players to the expansion draft. Each team can protect three players initially, with the option to protect a fourth after two are selected. Protection lists are due next Tuesday, and with significant changes expected, the Charge's path forward is anything but certain. General manager Mike Hirshfeld said they have already decided on who they will protect and will be letting players know Thursday during exit meetings. 'It's going to be a tough day,' Hirshfeld said. 'I'm sure of it, not looking forward to some of the conversations, but I also understand that this is a great moment for this league.' The Charge (12-2-4-12) finished third in the regular season to advance to the playoffs for the first time. Ottawa beat the number-one seed Montreal Victoire in the opening semi-final round to earn a berth in the final. Ottawa had a strong showing in the final, but an inability to score when most needed proved costly as defending champion Minnesota took the best-of-five series 3-1. Every game required overtime and was decided by one goal. 'There's a lot to be proud of this group and this year, highs and lows, injuries of top players, and there's a lot that happened this year and to be where we ended up is pretty special,' said forward Gabbie Hughes. 'That just speaks volumes to the group that we have.' There was much to like from where Ottawa started the season to where it ended. The Charge failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, but were able to persevere and punch their ticket on the final day of the regular season. 'Really proud of the gains we made here from year one to year two,' said coach Carla MacLeod. 'But, you know, by no means are we going to sit back and rest on our laurels. We're going to keep going here, so there's a lot of opportunity ahead of us.' Much will be made of goaltender Gwyneth Philips' emergence. Philips had a limited role as Emerance Maschmeyer's backup early in the season, but when the veteran netminder went down in March the 25-year-old rookie stepped in with poise making a strong impression in net. Through eight playoff games Philips posted a .952 save percentage, made 257-of-270 saves throughout the Charge's playoff run and was named the 2025 Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. 'For a goalie to have success, you know, people in front of them have to be playing well, and I think we played really well, especially defensively,' Philips said. 'And so I think definitely some other people in the series it could have gone to them, but I think it does kind of validate how good we were defensively.' Philips admitted the expansion draft served as incentive through the playoffs. 'We knew this team wasn't going to look the same, and how much respect and love we had for each other, we wanted to go out with a bang.' Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark, and Maschmeyer were Ottawa's first signings when the league launched, but it would be surprising to see all three return next season. While they understand it's part of the business it doesn't make it any easier. 'I think growth for the league is great, it's exciting,' said Clark. 'But obviously it's not lost on us that the reality is that there could be some big changes.'
Hamilton Spectator
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
After close loss in PWHL final, Ottawa Charge brace for roster shakeup
OTTAWA - The Ottawa Charge have plenty to be proud of after a strong showing in the Professional Women's Hockey League's second season, but the real test lies ahead with inevitable roster changes on the horizon. Following a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to the Minnesota Frost in the deciding Game 4 of the Walter Cup final on Monday, players were still processing the defeat while also dealing with uncertainty about what the team will look like next season. As the league prepares to expand into Vancouver and Seattle, the Charge, and the other five current teams, will lose four players to the expansion draft. Each team can protect three players initially, with the option to protect a fourth after two are selected. Protection lists are due next Tuesday, and with significant changes expected, the Charge's path forward is anything but certain. General manager Mike Hirshfeld said they have already decided on who they will protect and will be letting players know Thursday during exit meetings. 'It's going to be a tough day,' Hirshfeld said. 'I'm sure of it, not looking forward to some of the conversations, but I also understand that this is a great moment for this league.' The Charge (12-2-4-12) finished third in the regular season to advance to the playoffs for the first time. Ottawa beat the number-one seed Montreal Victoire in the opening semifinal round to earn a berth in the final. Ottawa had a strong showing in the final, but an inability to score when most needed proved costly as defending champion Minnesota took the best-of-five series 3-1. Every game required overtime and was decided by one goal. 'There's a lot to be proud of this group and this year, highs and lows, injuries of top players, and there's a lot that happened this year and to be where we ended up is pretty special,' said forward Gabbie Hughes. 'That just speaks volumes to the group that we have.' There was much to like from where Ottawa started the season to where it ended. The Charge failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, but were able to persevere and punch their ticket on the final day of the regular season. 'Really proud of the gains we made here from year one to year two,' said coach Carla MacLeod. 'But, you know, by no means are we going to sit back and rest on our laurels. We're going to keep going here, so there's a lot of opportunity ahead of us.' Much will be made of goaltender Gwyneth Philips' emergence. Philips had a limited role as Emerance Maschmeyer's backup early in the season, but when the veteran netminder went down in March the 25-year-old rookie stepped in with poise making a strong impression in net. Through eight playoff games Philips posted a .952 save percentage, made 257-of-270 saves throughout the Charge's playoff run and was named the 2025 Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. 'For a goalie to have success, you know, people in front of them have to be playing well, and I think we played really well, especially defensively,' Philips said. 'And so I think definitely some other people in the series it could have gone to them, but I think it does kind of validate how good we were defensively.' Philips admitted the expansion draft served as incentive through the playoffs. 'We knew this team wasn't going to look the same, and how much respect and love we had for each other, we wanted to go out with a bang.' Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark, and Maschmeyer were Ottawa's first signings when the league launched, but it would be surprising to see all three return next season. While they understand it's part of the business it doesn't make it any easier. 'I think growth for the league is great, it's exciting,' said Clark. 'But obviously it's not lost on us that the reality is that there could be some big changes.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
After close loss in PWHL final, Ottawa Charge brace for roster shakeup
OTTAWA – The Ottawa Charge have plenty to be proud of after a strong showing in the Professional Women's Hockey League's second season, but the real test lies ahead with inevitable roster changes on the horizon. Following a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to the Minnesota Frost in the deciding Game 4 of the Walter Cup final on Monday, players were still processing the defeat while also dealing with uncertainty about what the team will look like next season. As the league prepares to expand into Vancouver and Seattle, the Charge, and the other five current teams, will lose four players to the expansion draft. Each team can protect three players initially, with the option to protect a fourth after two are selected. Protection lists are due next Tuesday, and with significant changes expected, the Charge's path forward is anything but certain. General manager Mike Hirshfeld said they have already decided on who they will protect and will be letting players know Thursday during exit meetings. 'It's going to be a tough day,' Hirshfeld said. 'I'm sure of it, not looking forward to some of the conversations, but I also understand that this is a great moment for this league.' The Charge (12-2-4-12) finished third in the regular season to advance to the playoffs for the first time. Ottawa beat the number-one seed Montreal Victoire in the opening semifinal round to earn a berth in the final. Ottawa had a strong showing in the final, but an inability to score when most needed proved costly as defending champion Minnesota took the best-of-five series 3-1. Every game required overtime and was decided by one goal. 'There's a lot to be proud of this group and this year, highs and lows, injuries of top players, and there's a lot that happened this year and to be where we ended up is pretty special,' said forward Gabbie Hughes. 'That just speaks volumes to the group that we have.' There was much to like from where Ottawa started the season to where it ended. The Charge failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, but were able to persevere and punch their ticket on the final day of the regular season. 'Really proud of the gains we made here from year one to year two,' said coach Carla MacLeod. 'But, you know, by no means are we going to sit back and rest on our laurels. We're going to keep going here, so there's a lot of opportunity ahead of us.' Much will be made of goaltender Gwyneth Philips' emergence. Philips had a limited role as Emerance Maschmeyer's backup early in the season, but when the veteran netminder went down in March the 25-year-old rookie stepped in with poise making a strong impression in net. Through eight playoff games Philips posted a .952 save percentage, made 257-of-270 saves throughout the Charge's playoff run and was named the 2025 Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. 'For a goalie to have success, you know, people in front of them have to be playing well, and I think we played really well, especially defensively,' Philips said. 'And so I think definitely some other people in the series it could have gone to them, but I think it does kind of validate how good we were defensively.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Philips admitted the expansion draft served as incentive through the playoffs. 'We knew this team wasn't going to look the same, and how much respect and love we had for each other, we wanted to go out with a bang.' Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark, and Maschmeyer were Ottawa's first signings when the league launched, but it would be surprising to see all three return next season. While they understand it's part of the business it doesn't make it any easier. 'I think growth for the league is great, it's exciting,' said Clark. 'But obviously it's not lost on us that the reality is that there could be some big changes.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2025.
