Emily Clark has already established herself as one of the most accomplished players in international women’s hockey. She’s won Olympic gold and silver medals at the last two Winter Olympics, and she’s represented Team Canada at nine World Championships, including two gold medals at the U18 level and three for our national senior team.
And outside of hockey, Clark has also built a reputation as a positive and well-liked teammate.
So, when the Ottawa Charge had to decide last year on the first three players they would sign for their inaugural PWHL season, Clark was exactly the kind of player the team wanted. And the feeling was mutual.
“Weeks before free agency, when the league’s cities were named, I knew I wanted to be in Ottawa if I had the chance. I have been to Ottawa before and played here with the National Team, and I just loved the city. I loved the energy, and I had already felt the support of the community.”
Emily Clark, a two-time Olympian, five-time World Champion, and standout forward, brings international experience and leadership to the Ottawa Charge as they build on their second PWHL season.
So, along with her friends and fellow national team members Brianne Jenner and Emerance Maschmeyer, Clark signed in Ottawa. Maschmeyer, the Charge’s goaltender, has been one of Clark’s best friends for over a decade.
“We started our national team journey at the same time, have lived together in Montreal and Calgary, and now get to play professional hockey together,” Clark said. “We have a really special relationship and have had a front-row seat to watching each other grow up and accomplish some special things on and off the ice.”
Clark says it was amazing to be part of the first PWHL season, which had its ups and downs, but looking back, the former University of Wisconsin star feels the club built an amazing culture and foundation for this season and the future.
Individually, she says it was a blast, and the first season flew by.
“I didn’t know what day of the week it was,” Clark recalled. “I just knew it was a game day, practice day, travel day, or rest day, which was a dream come true. For five years since I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, outside of the Olympic years, I have been craving to play for a team again. One of the best parts of last year was playing for a city again and wanting to work extra hard for our fans.
“I learned a lot about myself last year as a person, player, and leader, and I feel confident that I can take those things I learned into this season.”
How did you feel about the amazing fan support in Ottawa for the team’s first season?
The fan support was incredible. It blew away all expectations I could have possibly had. I knew the community support would be strong, but I had no idea it would be as strong as it was right from the first puck drop. I take so much pride in playing for this city and these fans. I just hope they know how much we truly appreciate and feel their support.
What excites you about this year’s team?
So many things. I think seeing the motivation and the work everyone put in during the off-season to make themselves even better for our team this season. I’m also really excited about our new players. We have so much depth and so many different kinds of players coming in with unique skill sets. I think it’ll be really fun as we put the pieces all together.
What do you think of the new name and uniforms?
I love the team name and uniforms! I know that was a hot topic last year and people wanted them sooner than they came. But from a player’s perspective, I was more than happy to wear Ottawa across my chest last year. I was just happy to be playing, so I didn’t really mind waiting. With that being said, I’m happy now we all have an identity that separates us from the other teams, and I know how much it means to the fans to have that name and jersey. I think it was worth the wait, given that the energy of the fans helped inspire the team name. I think it is so cool that everyone who supported us last season can take pride in knowing that their energy and support are a part of our team identity forever.
Are there any groups in the community that you have had a chance to work with?
From the day I signed here, it was a goal and priority of mine to really try to make an impact in the community. Last season, with the help of my agent, Brant Feldman, I was able to coordinate and donate four tickets to every home game to HEROS Hockey, a non-profit group that supports and empowers marginalized youth. I have worked with them in Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto, so I was really happy to be able to work with them here in Ottawa too. I was able to skate with them a couple of times and meet all the kids and their families who came to our games. This season, I will continue to support HEROS Hockey and also provide tickets to and support Centre33 Kanata, a group that supports 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
As we go back to your childhood in Saskatoon, what’s the story of how you got into hockey in the first place?
I have four older brothers who all played hockey, an older sister who was also very active in sports, and two parents who loved being at the rink. So I’ve been a hockey player for as long as I can remember. I loved growing up in a big, crazy family, and my parents and siblings have all been incredible supporters every step of the way.
When did it go from just fun to wanting to be one of the best in the world?
It’s hard to say really. I just always truly loved playing hockey, and I think that is a big reason for my success. Growing up, it was all me and my siblings were doing—playing hockey, being at each other’s ice times or games, mini sticks, playing ‘Chel, or shooting pucks in the backyard. I was always just playing and striving to be as good as my brothers. When I was 15, I got my first U18 National Team invite, and I think that was a big motivator that I was truly on the path to making my dreams come true of playing for Team Canada.
What’s your favourite hockey memory?
My favourite on-ice hockey memory was winning the 2022 Olympics. The whole year was an incredible journey, and it was extra special having lost in 2018 in a shootout. The best off-ice memory came when I arrived home and got to share it with my family and friends. I was surprised by over 100 friends, family, and the community at the airport chanting my name. Getting to see my parents hold my gold medal for the first time is something I will never forget. For everything they have done, it is just as much theirs as it is mine.
Did you idolize anyone growing up, and does that memory factor into how you engage with young PWHL fans?
Absolutely. I was fortunate enough to meet a few of my idols growing up. I got to meet Dana Antal after they won the 2002 Olympics and got a signature on a team photo that said ‘Go for Gold’ on it. That photo is still in my childhood bedroom. That brief signature fueled my dream. I also got to have dinner with Caroline Oullette when I was with the U18 Team. That evening gave me even more motivation to play for the senior team someday. Two years later, I was at my first World Championship playing on a line with her.
Knowing the impact a simple signature, photo, or conversation can have, I try to make a positive impact in every fan interaction I have. Because I know from experience what it can do. It’s just really special to know the difference you can make in other people’s lives just from the sport you play.
What are three non-hockey things you absolutely love to do?
I love spending time with my niece and nephew, going for walks, and cooking!
What are your three most prized possessions?
I’m obsessed with my couch (laughs)—if you know me, you know it’s one of my favourite purchases—along with my shoes and my Breville coffee machine.
What is your favourite TV show?
Ted Lasso.
Favourite musician or group?
Taylor Swift and Ziggy Alberts.
Which Charge teammate makes you laugh the most?
Zoe Boyd or Natalie Snodgrass (but don’t tell her I said that).
Favourite cheat meal or dessert?
Cheeseburger, poutine, and milkshake! I also love Oreos and cookies, and honestly, anything sweet!
What do you probably spend too much money on?
Coffee and clothing (laughs). And I will not be stopping anytime soon!
