Kendra Woodland (Image Credit: Brennen Suni / Ottawa Charge)

By Marty Hastings

IN THE CREASE

Kamloops goaltender Woodland gets PWHL debut ‘tease’ experience in Vancouver

Mar 16, 2026 | 4:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kendra Woodland hopes to one day play a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game in Vancouver in front of a busload of friends and family from Kamloops. 

The undrafted Ottawa Charge rookie goaltender came tantalizingly close to achieving that goal on Saturday (March 14), backing up Gwyneth Philips in a 3-2 overtime victory over the hometown Goldeneyes. 

“I think it’s just that – it’s a tease,” Woodland said with a laugh. “But I think it’s keeping me hungrier. I work so hard every single day to get better. You never know what will happen. If I end up being called upon, I want to make sure that I’m ready.” 

The Charge made sure Woodland – on the bench for the first time for a PWHL game in Vancouver – felt the love from B.C. hockey fans. 

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Prior to the game, the club posted a social media tribute for the backup backstop from the Tournament Capital, one that later aired on the national CBC broadcast. 

Woodland was ready for the cameras during the pre-game walk to the dressing room, sporting a clothing item unearthed at a thrift shop in Ottawa. 

“I found this Vancouver sweater and I fell in love with it,” Woodland said. “It just turned out the owner of this little shop in Ottawa actually made that sweater, repurposed a blanket and made it into a crew-neck sweater. I kind of said to her, ‘Oh, my gosh. I love this. I think it will be great for a Vancouver walk-in.’” 

Woodland has been the Charge’s backup for nine games, but is yet to see the ice in a regular season game. 

She said the improvement she is seeing in her game is in part due to practising against some of the best shooters in the league, her teammates Rebecca Leslie and Brianne Jenner. 

“I think in any role I’m put in, I want to be the best I can be in that role, whether that be a third goalie in the stands, a backup or getting a start,” Woodland said. 

Ottawa and the Toronto Sceptres are tied for fourth in league standings, each with 28 points. The top four teams will qualify for the post-season. 

The Charge are scheduled to play the hometown Minnesota Frost (second place, 36 points) on Wednesday (March 18).