Will Ottawa Charge's new players lead team to championship?

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Before joining the PWHL, she also won an Isobel Cup with the PHF’s Toronto Six and overseas titles with the KRS Vanke Rays in Russia’s ZhHL and Luleå in Sweden’s SDHL.

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In other words, when Cava is on your roster, championships tend to follow.

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Her offensive production has dipped this season with just nine points in 30 games split between Ottawa and Vancouver, but she has a history of elevating her play in the postseason.

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Boston’s Hannah Brandt (20) collides with Ottawa’s Michela Cava (86) and goaltender Gwyneth Philips in the crease on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Photo by ASHLEY FRASER /POSTMEDIA

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During the 2024 playoffs, Cava tied for the postseason scoring lead with eight points in 10 games, including seven in the final against Boston. She followed that up with five points in last year’s postseason.

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Both of her career game-winning goals have also come in the playoffs.

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If that championship-driven version of Cava shows up on the ice in Boston on Thursday, the Charge could see a major boost to its offensive output.

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Brooke McQuigge

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The numbers haven’t come yet this season for McQuigge, but it feels like a matter of time.

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Still looking for her first goal with Ottawa and sitting on just one assist, McQuigge has come within inches on multiple occasions. On Saturday she appeared to have broken through, only to have her crossbar shot waved off after review confirmed it never crossed the line.

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It’s a contrast from last season, where she played a key role on a championship Fleet roster and tied for third in rookie scoring with 15 points.

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Ottawa Charge’s Brooke McQuigge (27) during the game against the Boston Fleet TD Place Arena on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Photo by ASHLEY FRASER /POSTMEDIA

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Now, as she continues to settle into Ottawa’s lineup, there’s reason to believe her impact will grow in the playoffs. She recorded two goals and an assist in last year’s postseason, and tends to contribute in key moments.

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And even when her name isn’t on the scoresheet, McQuigge produces in other ways. Her gritty, hard-working play fits seamlessly into the Charge identity, highlighted by her average of one hit per game.

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Emma Greco

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In many ways, the Charge has gotten exactly what it signed up for with Greco.

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Known for her defensive reliability, she’s the kind of shut-down presence whose value isn’t always reflected on the scoresheet. Her blue-line stability has been key for a Charge team focused on reducing shots against and minimizing goalie Gwyneth Philips’ workload.

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There’s also an added layer to her experience. Having spent a full season playing in front of Fleet goaltender Aerin Frankel, Greco knows firsthand just how difficult she is to beat, and what it may take to get the puck past her.

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Boston goalie Aerin Frankel makes a save during a game on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia

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“Just keep shooting and just have a shot mentality,” Greco said. “Because even the best goalies in the world, they let in some goals.”

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Ever since the trio was brought to Ottawa, Greco added there’s been an emphasis in the Charge locker room on passing along what it takes to win.

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“We got asked a bit earlier in the season, what the organization could change to maybe put ourselves in a Walter Cup position,” she said. “And I think we kind of just told them, just keep believing in each other. And on that roller-coaster, whether it’s up or down, just stick with each other.”

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