The Ottawa Charge and the Vancouver Goldeneyes of the PWHL engaged in a significant trade involving six players on Sunday evening, marking a record for the league as it reaches the midpoint of its third season. The trade occurred just before the PWHL’s month-long Olympic break.
Among the additions to the Charge are Michela Cava, who ranked third in scoring for Vancouver with five points in 13 games, along with forward Brooke McQuigge and defender Emma Greco. Vancouver acquired three forwards, including Anna Shokhina, a rookie and three-time Olympian for Russia, who has contributed a goal and three assists in 12 games. Additionally, the Goldeneyes added two-way forward Mannon McMahon and Anna Meixner from Austria’s national team.
All of Ottawa’s new players have previously won the Walter Cup with the Minnesota Frost. Charge general manager Mike Hirshfeld praised Cava’s winning track record and familiarity with her performance from the previous season.
In the current standings, the Charge and Toronto are tied for fifth place, with Ottawa having won four games in overtime or shootouts out of their total of three wins. Vancouver, on the other hand, ranks seventh, scoring the lowest average of 1.7 goals per game and conceding 2.6 goals per game. The Goldeneyes have faced three consecutive losses and have a record of 1-4-2 in their last seven games.
Vancouver’s general manager, Cara Gardner Morey, expressed confidence in the new acquisitions, emphasizing their ability to contribute to the team’s competitiveness with their speed and tenacity on both offense and defense.