Ottawa's own PWHL team is making sure the city's next generation of hockey players gets to learn from the pros. This summer, Ottawa Charge forward Rebecca Leslie and goalie Gwyneth Philips traded their game-day gear for coaching whistles, taking on mentorship roles at the organization's girls-only youth development camp for players ages nine to 15.
A Camp Built for Confidence
The camp wasn't just about improving stickhandling or perfecting a wrist shot — though there was plenty of skill-building on the ice. Leslie and Philips focused on creating a space where young girls could grow as athletes without the pressure that sometimes comes with co-ed programs. For many participants, it was a rare chance to be coached directly by professional players who, just a few years ago, were in their skates working toward the same dream of playing at the highest level.
Having a goalie and a forward on staff meant campers got well-rounded instruction, from Philips walking net-minders through positioning and rebound control to Leslie running drills on offensive zone play and shot accuracy. But organizers say the emphasis went beyond X's and O's — building self-esteem and a love of the game was just as central to the camp's mission.
Why It Matters for Ottawa
The timing couldn't be better for Ottawa's hockey scene. The Ottawa Charge, part of the PWHL, have quickly become a point of civic pride since the league launched, drawing strong crowds to TD Place and giving the city a women's professional team to rally behind. Camps like this one extend that momentum beyond the arena, putting Charge players directly in front of the kids who are watching them on TV and dreaming of following in their footsteps.
For Ottawa families, it's also a meaningful addition to the city's summer sports options. Girls-only programming remains relatively rare in youth hockey, and having it led by athletes who are actively competing professionally in the nation's capital adds a layer of accessibility and inspiration that wasn't available to previous generations of young players growing up in the city.
Growing the Grassroots Game
Leslie and Philips' involvement also reflects a broader push within the PWHL to strengthen ties between its teams and local communities. By getting involved directly with grassroots programming, the Ottawa Charge are betting that today's campers could be tomorrow's rising stars — or at the very least, lifelong fans who feel a personal connection to the team.
As the Charge head into another season, camps like this one are a reminder that the team's impact on Ottawa extends well past the standings. For the girls who spent their summer learning from professional players right here in Ottawa, the experience offered more than hockey tips — it offered a glimpse of what's possible.
Source: CBC Ottawa
