December to Remember for Emerance Maschmeyer

Recognized as one of December’s PWHL Suprastars of the Month, Emerance Maschmeyer has quietly assembled a strong case for league MVP. Making five appearances between the pipes, her solid performances put the Ottawa Charge in the playoff conversation, currently sitting third place in the standings.

Finishing a very busy month as the league leader in minutes played (300:33) and save percentage (.929), additional recognition as the First Star of the Week (awarded December 30) proved well deserved. Facing a total of 149 shots over the five games, allowing only nine goals, Maschemeyer rose to the occasion in a pair of impressive performances.

Recording 34 saves versus the New York Sirens, nullifying their high-powered offense, Maschmeyer was essential in providing the Charge with their first road win of the season. Contested on December 29, she not only stopped six shots each against Jessie Eldridge and Abby Roque, she prevented the Sirens from capitalizing on four power play opportunities.

Two days later, an all-Canadian matchup versus the archrival Toronto Sceptres proved highly emotional. Ending the year with a trade that sent shockwaves throughout the league, a four-player trade saw multiple Winter Games medalist Jocelyne Larocque and two-time IIHF champion Victoria Bach to the Charge. In exchange, Toronto landed Savannah Harmon, the first draft pick in Ottawa franchise history, along with Hayley Scamurra, who scored Ottawa’s first-ever goal.

Emerging with a 2-1 road win in front of a capacity crowd, Maschmeyer made her sixth start, the first backstop to achieve the feat this season, was among several Ottawa players that made key contributions. From the outset, the newly acquired Larocque, paired on the blueline with Jincy Roese, logged 19:16 minutes of ice time. With a scoreless first period adding to the drama of an already eventful day, first-year player Ronja Savolainen found the back of the net for the Charge. Enjoying the milestone of her first PWHL goal, she is the fifth European player to record a goal with Ottawa.

Although Hannah Miller spoiled Maschmeyer’s bid for a shutout with a third period power play goal, Roese supplied the heroics. Enjoying the jubilation of her first game-winning goal in PWHL competition, Roese earned recognition as the Second Star of the Game. Fittingly, Maschmeyer gained First Star honors, her 37 saves keeping the Charge competitive, as the offense sputtered with merely 13 shots on net, a franchise low. Worth noting, Maschmeyer enjoyed a sparkling .973 save percentage spanning the victories versus the Sirens and Sceptres.

In the aftermath of an emotional win versus Toronto, tears flowing down the faces of many players in the postgame handshake, Maschmeyer displayed the elements of character that make her a model teammate. Rather than discuss her own achievements, she was quick to praise Larocque and her resilient efforts. Having worn the Maple Leaf together in IIHF and Winter Games competition, the chance to don the Charge colors as pro teammates marks an exciting new first.

“It’s not an easy position that she is in right now. She’s such a pro. She came in the dressing room with a smile and that’s not easy to do. She was able to turn around her emotions. She joined the team today and played a heck of a game. Personally, I love that Joce is on our team. She’s a solid defender. One of the best that played in front of me. Besides that, she’s such an incredible player, she’s a great leader and an awesome person. She’s going to add a lot in our locker room.”

Featured image by Lori Bolliger Photography