The Ottawa Charge and Vancouver Goldeneyes of the PWHL engaged in a significant trade involving six players on Sunday evening. This trade marked a milestone for the league, being the largest player exchange in a single transaction so far in the league’s third season, which is at its midway point. The trade was finalized just ten days before the PWHL goes on its month-long break for the Olympics.
Michela Cava, who was among the top scorers for Vancouver with five points (one goal, four assists) in 13 games, headlines the new additions for the Charge. Additionally, Ottawa acquired forward Brooke McQuigge and defenseman Emma Greco.
Vancouver, on the other hand, brought in three forwards, including Anna Shokhina, a rookie second-round pick and a three-time Olympian from Russia. Shokhina, aged 28, has had a modest start in the PWHL with one goal and three assists in 12 games. The Goldeneyes also welcomed two-way forward Mannon McMahon and Anna Meixner, a member of Austria’s national team.
All the new players for Ottawa have previously won the Walter Cup with the Minnesota Frost.
Charge’s General Manager Mike Hirshfeld praised Michela Cava’s winning experience, emphasizing her success in the PWHL Walter Cup Finals last season. Ottawa is currently tied for fifth place in the league standings with Toronto, boasting a record of 3-6 with four wins in overtime or shootouts. The team had a six-game winning streak, including four post-regulation victories, before a recent 2-1 loss to Montreal.
Vancouver, with a record of 3-7-2 and one win in overtime or shootouts, sits in the seventh position in the standings. They have the lowest scoring average in the league at 1.7 goals per game and rank seventh in goals against at 2.6 per game. The Goldeneyes are undergoing a three-game losing streak and have won only one of their last seven matches.
Vancouver’s General Manager, Cara Gardner Morey, expressed confidence in the new acquisitions, stating that these players bring the desired qualities of competitiveness, determination, and speed to the team.
