Ottawa Charge rookie defenseman Stephanie Markowski knows what it takes to win.
Markowski, who this past June was selected in the fourth round (20th overall) in the 2024 PWHL Draft by Ottawa, finished her NCAA career last March, celebrating with her Ohio State teammates after capturing the 2024 NC women’s ice hockey championship title.
Following four seasons playing at Clarkson University, Markowski transferred last year to Ohio State and on March 24, 2024, the 23-year-old realized, along with her Buckeye teammates, the ultimate dream when at Whittemore Center in Durham, New Hampshire, they defeated Wisconsin 1-0 in the Frozen Four finals.
“Super exciting” were the words Markowski used to describe winning a National Championship. “The goal was to win a National Championship, and it’s surreal. Pretty awesome.”
Prior to her one year at Ohio State, Markowski emerged as a star during her four- seasons with Clarkson, where the defenseman was a member of three NCAA tournament teams. During her season with Ohio State, Markowski impressed by scoring three goals along with 27 points in 39 games while sporting a solid plus/minus of +51.
A few months after winning, Markowski was off to Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, Minnesota, for the 2024 PWHL Draft. “I didn’t know for sure if it would be Ottawa,” Markowski said about where she would be drafted. “I had a couple of conversations and was familiar with Carla (Coach Carla MacLeod). I also talked to Mike (GM Mike Hirshfeld).
Markowski went on to describe what happened and how she felt when Ottawa called her name. “Mike was there to greet me. I felt awesome. It felt super going to a Canadian team. I’ve heard great things about Ottawa and its management. It just felt surreal. So exciting.”
When asked what Hirshfeld told her when she approached the stage upon being drafted, Markowski said, “Mike said congratulations. We are thrilled to have you. I blacked out at that point.”
A significant advantage for Markowski is that this Edmonton, Alberta native has been coached in the past on Team Alberta by MacLeod.
“I really like her philosophy,” Markowski said. “I’m super excited. She can really get the most out of me as a player.”
In addition to her connection with the coach, another thrilling storyline for Markowski was that in the first round, Ottawa selected her best friend, forward Danielle Serdachny.
“It’s awesome she got drafted second overall,” Markowski said. “She gave me a big hug, and it all worked out.”
These two have been friends going back to pre-school age, and they have a special hockey bond playing for Coach MacLeod. The highlight was at the 2019 Canada Winter Games when these two, along with coach MacLeod, were part of a special Team Alberta squad that achieved the ultimate goal of winning gold.
Markowski, who is a big fan of Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, began her lifelong passion for hockey at approximately four years old.
In describing her strengths as a defenseman and what she can bring to Ottawa, Markowski replied, “Playmaking abilities and being strong defensively.”
In terms of things to work on, Markowski said, “Getting faster. The league is so fast.”
The game plan for this young emerging defenseman going into training camp is simple: “Compete and play as hard as I can. Earn a spot and prove that I deserve ice time. I’ve been on the ice almost every day. I’m super excited to get things going,” Markowski said.
No doubt Ottawa drafted a talented, hard worker in Stephanie Markowski, who should play a big role in helping the Charge have an exciting, successful season.
The Charge will be on the road for three games, including two preseason matchups, before they return to Ottawa for their home opener against the Toronto Sceptres at the Arena at TD Place on December 3. Visit Ottawa Tickets | PWHL – Professional Women’s Hockey League to get your tickets.
Photo: PWHLOttawa