PWHL Ottawa signs No. 2 overall pick Danielle Serdachny to three-year contract

PWHL Ottawa announced Tuesday they had signed foward Danielle Serdachny, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Draft, to a three-year contract.

“We are thrilled to add Danielle as a core piece of our organization for the next three years,” General Manager Mike Hirshfeld said in a press release. “We love her complete 200-foot hockey game and the skill and goal-scoring she will bring to our lineup. We believe she has the opportunity to develop into one of the best players in the PWHL and are excited to watch her game grow to new heights in Ottawa.”

The 23-year-old Serdachny spent five seasons playing college hockey at Colgate University, where she scored 81 goals and 157 assists for 238 points in 180 games. Her best statistical season came in 2022-23, where she led the entire NCAA with 71 points (25 goals and 46 assists).

“I am extremely excited and honoured to officially be a member of the PWHL Ottawa organization,” said Serdachny. “I am looking forward to beginning this next chapter in my career and am beyond excited to join the players, staff, management, and fans in Ottawa.”

The Edmonton native scored the golden goal for Canada at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship last spring, giving Canada a gold medal over the Americans. She also helped Canada earn silver in 2023.

In the league’s inaugural season, Ottawa finished with a 9-9-6 record, three points shy of a playoff spot. Captain Brianne Jenner led the team in scoring with nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points. Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer posted a 9-9-4 record with a .915 save percentage.