Clark feeding off of improved Charge’s extra energy

OTTAWA — Emily Clark is a fitting reflection of the Ottawa Charge. She’s been doing the little things the right way, staying steady through the process and finally seeing the results.

Clark picked up her first goal, and first point of the Professional Women’s Hockey League season on Saturday afternoon, in an impressive 5-2 win over the Minnesota Frost.

Clark worked hard through the first nine games and was finally rewarded in the 10th, mirroring a Charge team that seems to have found its stride and is riding a four-game winning streak.

‘We’ve just been building our game, and you know every point matters in this league,” said Clark, who finished second in team scoring last season. “So, it’s great that, you know, we’re rolling a bit here, and like I said, to get a three-point regulation win was huge for us as every point matters.”

Of their four wins this season, only one came in regulation.

With six games remaining before the Olympic break the team understands the importance of picking up points and grabbing a foothold in the standings.

In its first year Ottawa missed the playoffs on the final day of the season and last year clinched a berth with a win in its final game and rode the momentum to the Walter Cup final, where it lost to the Frost.

Charge coach Carla MacLeod understands the focus for many is on the record and the placement in the standings, but for herself and the coaching staff finding ways to build off success is just as crucial.

“For us it’s about getting better everyday,” MacLeod said. “There’s been lots in our games that we’ve liked since the onset but now we’re starting to get rewarded for it.”

MacLeod pointed to the current winning streak and how it can be attributed to overall team growth.

Ottawa dealt with a number of roster changes due to the expansion draft and free-agent signings, but players now seem to be finding chemistry.

“It’s not going to be an easy night ever, it’s going to be close games always,” said MacLeod. “You’re going to have to dig out of holes, you’re going to have to hold a lead but we’re starting to see the ingredients come to be and we’re learning how to manage our way through it and find ways and that’s what I like about this stretch of games for us.”

The Charge are also benefiting from a number of players finding their game.

Captain Brianne Jenner, who struggled at times last year offensively, seems to have regained her scoring touch with three goals in her past two games.

Playing alongside Rebecca Leslie and Sarah Wozniewicz the trio seemed to have developed chemistry and are generating a number of chances.

Wozniewicz, drafted 21st overall by the Charge in 2025, has two goals and two assists through 10 games and is providing additional speed to Ottawa’s top line.

Emily Clark finally broke out of her scoring slump scoring her first goal of the season against the Frost.

Clark has been one of the Charge’s most consistent players through the first two seasons and not being able to contribute offensively was starting to weigh on her.

“I mean, obviously, the monkey was feeling a little heavy, but it’s just because you want to help the team out,” said Clark. “But it’s been great. We’ve been rolling and a lot of players have been playing really great hockey.”

The Charge are back in action Friday when they host the Vancouver Goldeneyes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2026.