Rebecca Leslie finds herself in a unique position this season.
After joining her hometown PWHL team in the off-season, the former Boston University star has become the first Ottawa-born player in Charge history. Yet, despite her role as the team’s “Ottawa insider,” her new teammates still joke about treating her like the “new kid in town.”
“This is so funny to me because I think they sometimes forget I’m from Ottawa,” Leslie said. “They’ll talk about restaurants or things to do, and I joke with them when they don’t ask me for recommendations.”
Playing professional hockey in her hometown is something Leslie takes great pride in. “It still hasn’t fully sunk in yet. I get chills. I’ve been reflecting on my career and the people who’ve impacted me—it feels like I’m playing for all my former teammates and coaches.”
Leslie’s minor hockey roots include Gloucester, Kanata, and the Ottawa Lady Senators. She captained Boston University in her senior year, scoring 24 goals and 57 points in 33 games.
After graduating in 2018-19, Leslie moved to Calgary to train with Team Canada and played her rookie year with the Calgary Inferno. They won the CWHL title, but the league folded shortly after.
“We won the championship and learned just a few weeks later that our league folded. With no league to play in, all of the top female hockey players in North America came together to form the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association. The PWHPA is a large reason why we have the PWHL today.”
Leslie says the PWHPA gave top players a place to compete but also a platform to fight for a true professional league. “There were so many ‘pinch me’ moments,” Leslie recalled. “I will never forget playing in the first-ever PWHL game against New York and the ceremonial faceoff with Billie Jean King and Jayna Hefford. I got chills.”
Long before helping to start this new league, you helped start the Do It For Daron campaign, honouring your childhood friend, Daron Richardson.
Daron was one of my closest friends and teammates. When she passed away, we were broken.
The Richardsons were so brave in speaking publicly about Daron’s death, and with their support, we brainstormed ways to honour her legacy.
It started off with purple tape and ribbons in our hair. We couldn’t have imagined the support. Eventually, we created D.I.F.D. as a reminder to keep going for her. What started as a sticker turned into a movement about erasing the stigma behind youth mental health. I still think of Daron all the time, and I love seeing DIFD stickers on helmets. It makes me proud to know her legacy is continuing.
Who were your biggest influences growing up?
My parents were definitely my biggest influences. I don’t know how they did it when we were young—always on the road or in an arena, but they never complained. Their support has meant the world to me.
Your older brother, Zac, played in the Senators’ organization. How did he influence your career?
My brother played a huge role. I started playing hockey because of him. We spent hours on the outdoor rink together—that’s where it all began. I’m lucky to have him as someone to train and compete with. He pushes me to be a better version of myself every day.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger players trying to make it to the PWHL?
I feel like it is so important to be a lifelong learner. The best players are always trying to find ways to improve.
Has there been a specific moment or game you’ll never forget?
I will never forget my last college hockey game—it was so emotional. I will also never forget the opportunities to play for Team Canada. That was always a dream.
Most recently, I will never forget the ovation I received at our home opener this year at TD Place. I could have never imagined such a loud welcome. It was so special for me and my family.
Rebecca Leslie’s move home has brought her career full circle. But there’s still one thing she’d like to do.
“I think it would be so special to bring the Walter Cup back to Ottawa and share it with the community that got me to where I am.”
