In a bold move aimed at capturing a championship, the Ottawa Charge have orchestrated the largest player swap in the history of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). The trade, announced on Sunday, January 19, 2026, sees three players from the Vancouver Goldeneyes heading to Ottawa in exchange for three Charge forwards.
Charge Acquire Proven Championship Pedigree
The centrepiece of the deal for Ottawa is forward Michela Cava, a 31-year-old veteran with back-to-back Walter Cup championships on her resume. Cava, who signed with Vancouver as a top free agent following the league's expansion, brings a wealth of experience and a proven scoring touch, having recorded 32 points in 67 regular-season PWHL games.
"She's just a tough, gritty player on the ice, someone you want on your side when you go into these really important games," said Charge General Manager Mike Hirshfeld. "I think she's a proven goal scorer."
Joining Cava in Ottawa are forward Brooke McQuigge, 25, and defender Emma Greco. McQuigge, who finished fourth in rookie scoring last season with 15 points for the Minnesota Frost, has had a quieter start this year in Vancouver. Greco, a steady defensive presence, will be joining her fourth PWHL team and is expected to solidify Ottawa's third defensive pairing.
Ottawa Sends Promising Talent West
Heading to the Vancouver Goldeneyes are three young forwards drafted by the Charge: Mannon McMahon and Anna Meixner (both 2024 draft picks) and Anna Shokhina, Ottawa's second-round selection in the 2025 draft. The trio had combined for four goals and four assists for the Charge this season, providing depth scoring.
Hirshfeld emphasized that the acquired players' winning mentality was a key factor. All three newcomers won at least one Walter Cup with the Minnesota Frost, the team that defeated Ottawa in last season's championship final.
"We know them really well from the Walter Cup final last year and how they played against us, how tough they were and how competitive they were," Hirshfeld stated, highlighting the direct experience that influenced the trade.
Building for a Championship Run
This major transaction signals the Ottawa Charge's clear intent to convert their near-miss from last season into a title victory. By adding seasoned champions like Cava and Greco, the team is prioritizing experience and defensive stability for a deep playoff push.
"The ultimate goal is to win the Walter Cup," is the implicit message from the front office, with this trade representing a significant step towards that objective. The move shakes up the roster dynamics for both clubs as the PWHL season progresses, with Ottawa betting that championship pedigree will make the crucial difference.
