As the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) season hits its stride, Ottawa Charge captain Brianne Jenner is not only leading her team but also making a powerful case for a coveted spot on Canada's 2026 Olympic roster. Her exceptional play has been a cornerstone for Ottawa, highlighting a career that may be peaking at the perfect time for another run at the world's biggest sporting stage.
A Dominant Force in the PWHL
One-third into the inaugural PWHL season, Brianne Jenner has established herself as one of the league's premier players. The veteran centre is tied for fourth in overall league scoring, maintaining a point-per-game pace with five goals and five assists. She sits just a single point behind the league's top scorers, demonstrating remarkable offensive consistency.
Her impact extends far beyond the scoresheet. Jenner boasts a face-off win rate of 60%, ranking her fourth among all centres who have taken a minimum of 160 draws. She is also tied for second in power-play goals and is part of an elite group of just six players who have scored a shorthanded goal this season.
Leadership and the Olympic Pathway
Jenner's value was on full display in Ottawa's most recent victory, a 5-2 win over the defending champion Minnesota Frost, where she contributed two goals and an assist. Charge coach Carla MacLeod praised not just her skill, but her approach. "It's her consistency at which she approaches the game that I find really impressive," MacLeod stated, emphasizing Jenner's leadership and daily drive to improve.
This PWHL performance is critically important for Jenner's Olympic aspirations. Team Canada coach Troy Ryan, who also leads the PWHL's Toronto Sceptres, has indicated that play in the new professional league will be heavily weighted in selection decisions for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. At 34 years old, Jenner is acutely aware that nothing is guaranteed, despite her illustrious resume.
"It's a long road, leading up to today, so there's a lot of emotions," Jenner admitted after a recent Charge practice, referencing the impending roster announcement. "I'm anxious to know, but I think there's also that feeling like the hay is in the barn. I'm feeling happy with the work put in this year."
Gold Medals and Socks: A Champion's Perspective
Jenner is no stranger to Olympic glory, having won gold medals in 2014 (Sochi) and 2022 (Beijing), along with a silver in 2018 (PyeongChang). When asked where she keeps her hard-earned gold medals, her answer is refreshingly humble and reveals her connection to the next generation.
"They're in socks, in a little bag," Jenner said with a laugh. She explained that while the players cherish the memories and moments of victory, the physical medals hold a different power. "The medals really hit home with people that watch it on TV, young kids that aspire for that... So usually those medals don't come out for me. They come out to share with young hockey players."
As the PWHL season continues and the Olympic selection process intensifies, Brianne Jenner's blend of elite production, veteran leadership, and proven championship pedigree makes her a compelling figure. Her quest is twofold: to propel the Ottawa Charge to success and to earn the chance to once again 'sock' away Olympic gold for Canada.
