Victoria Bach finds offensive stride with Ottawa Charge

In the aftermath of the PWHL’s first trade this season, the presence of Victoria Bach and Jocelyne Larocque has yielded exceptional results for the Ottawa Charge. Both fitting in right away, Larocque has contributed with an average of over 20 minutes ice time per game, while Bach racked up four points in her first four games.

Capturing the imagination of hockey fans in the Capital, Bach displayed a tremendous enthusiasm from the moment she donned the Charge jersey. Traded with Larocque from the Toronto Sceptres in exchange for Savannah Harmon and Hayley Scamurra, the first match for all four players encompassed plenty of emotion. Gracing the ice at Coca-Cola Coliseum, the Sceptres home rink, on December 31, Bach logged 14:48 of ice time as her new team emerged victorious in a hard-fought 2-1 final.  

Fast forward to January 7, a road game versus the New York Sirens saw the beginning of three game point scoring streak for Bach. With a first period that saw Ottawa enjoy a 2-1 lead, Bach logged the assist on a goal scored by Danielle Serdachny, the second pick overall of the 2024 PWHL Draft. The second saw Emily Clark find the back of the net for the game-winning goal in a 3-2 win as Emerance Maschmeyer recorded 21 saves. Worth noting, the aforementioned have all played for Canada in IIHF competition.

Building on the momentum, the opportunity to return to home ice provided high energy. Keen to skate in front of an enthusiastic sold-out crowd at TD Place, Bach and the Charge hosted the Boston Fleet on January 11.  In addition to the home debuts of Bach and Larocque, another unique subplot involved the goaltending picture.

Rookie goaltender Gwyneth Philips made her second career start for the Charge, while Aerin Frankel guarded the crease for the visiting Fleet. Having both starred for the Northeastern Huskies at the NCAA level, adding to the university’s legacy of elite goaltenders, the novelty of the January 11 contest marked their first professional match against each other.

Fittingly, it was Bach that would log the first goal of the game. A beautiful cross-ice pass from Ashton Bell to Larocque resulted in a booming slap shot that Bach tipped in past Frankel. With the crowd roaring in approval, cheers echoing throughout the boisterous arena, some compelling connections emerged. From the outset, Bell and Larocque are both alumnae from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. In addition, Larocque and Bach both wore the popular green jersey of the Markham Thunder during the 2018-19 season, the Charge representing their third experience as pro teammates.

Although Fleet blueliner Sidney Morin, also a gold medalist from the 2018 Winter Games, emerged as the hero on this day, recording her first two goal game in PWHL play, including the overtime winner, the final outcome was only part of a much more profound narrative.

With fans eager to see their newly acquired stars debut at home, including Larocque contribute an impressive (and team high) 24:44 of ice time, the game validated the newest chapter in Bach’s career as rejuvenating and energizing. Reflecting on the thrill of her home debut, the understandable element anticipation was replaced with vigour. “I woke up this morning with butterflies like a little kid going to their first hockey game. Honestly, it was amazing to play in front of that crowd. The energy was great out there today.” 

Following a valiant effort versus Boston, January 14 renewed rivalries between the Sceptres and Charge. Marking the return of Harmon and Scamurra to TD Place since the trade, the lead changed hands three times. Once again, Bach had a hand in the game’s opening goal. With Rylind MacKinnon serving a slashing penalty, the Charge took advantage as Bach set up rookie Mannon McMahon, gaining her first professional power play goal.

Hannah Miller’s fourth goal of the season tied the game, followed by Maggie Connors giving the Sceptres their first lead at 8:46 in the second stanza. Less than five minutes later, Bach scored her first goal on home ice, tying the score at 2-apiece. Signifying her first multi-point game of the season, the change of venue has proved prolific for the highly skilled Bach. Although a pair of Sceptres goals in the third placed the game out of reach, Bach’s brilliant performance proved highly memorable.

Undeniably, the first two home games proved highly fulfilling for Bach. Representing a pair of notable moments this season, she has quickly become a fan favorite in the Capital. Although a winning outcome eluded the home team in both games, there is an exciting sense of optimism among players and fans alike. Finding her scoring touch, providing the Charge with more depth on offense, Bach could prove to be the difference maker in qualifying for a postseason berth.