THE TATTLE OF HASTINGS: Woodland Charging into Year 2 in PWHL

Woodland became the first Kamloopsian to play in the PWHL last season, logging about 45 minutes of action in one regular-season contest.

She entered the game in relief of Charge starting netminder Gwyneth Philips in a 5-0 defeat to the Minnesota Frost on March 18, stopping 14 of 16 shots that came her way.

The Westsyde Secondary graduate cracked the Ottawa roster following a training camp invitation last fall and began the season third on the Charge goaltending depth chart, behind Philips and Finnish rookie Sanni Ahola.

Woodland finished the season with 15 backup appearances and is aiming to snare the No. 2 role next season.

“It’s obviously a challenge for me and something that I’m looking forward to, getting that opportunity to battle for that spot,” Woodland said. “I really just wanted to treat this [past] year as a true development year. I did do that, but got a lot more opportunity along the way.”

The Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association published 2025-2026 player salaries.

“The players voting to make our salaries public was big for us to kind of put it out into the world that we don’t make a ton of money doing what we love, but we do it because we love it,” Woodland said. “We also wanted to be able to negotiate a little bit more when expansion happens or [during free agency]. It’s been really great on that front.”

Woodland, who made US$38,000 last season, opted not to reveal her 2026-2027 salary, but it seems likely she received a pay bump considering her increased role and seniority.

“A lot of people compare [the PWHL to] the NHL in terms of salary and we have a long way to go, but at the same time, we’re also very new,” she said. “And, with just having one owner with 12 teams, it’s hard on that front. I’m confident and hopeful that it will keep getting better as we go.”

Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes’ forward Logan Stankoven of Kamloops was among the first to congratulate Woodland on the contract extension.

“It was probably only posted for two minutes before he reached out,” Woodland said. “It’s been amazing to see him get the success that he’s worked for. He’s been a huge support and I’m really excited to celebrate that Cup with him when he gets back.”

Woodland re-signed during Phase 5 of the PWHL’s Expansion Player Distribution Process, which gives existing teams an exclusive window to re-sign their own players on expiring contracts ahead of the 2026-2027 campaign, according to a Charge news release.

In that same June 18 release, the club notes it has 10 players under contract, including two goaltenders – Philips and Woodland.

“It was just amazing, the best year I’ve had in a very long time,” said Woodland, who was twice passed over in the PWHL Draft. “I say to a lot of people that I finally found my element.”

Woodland is relishing her role-model status for the next generation of hockey players in the city.

“Yeah, I actually just spoke at Brock Secondary School, just to some Grade 8s and athletes, especially female athletes,” Woodland said. “I’m looking forward to being at some hockey camps with young girls this year and really just getting that word out that the PWHL is here and there’s a future for these girls, too.”

by Marty Hastings

THE TATTLE OF HASTINGS: Woodland Charging into Year 2 in PWHL

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