Ottawa adds veterans Vanisova, Darkangelo for PWHL playoff push
With his club battling for the fourth and final playoff spot in the PWHL, Ottawa general manager Mike Hirshfeld was busy at Monday's trade deadline.
Hirshfeld made two deals, sending defenceman Amanda Boulier to Montreal for forward Tereza Vanisova, and also trading forward Lexie Adzija and the rights to forward Caitrin Lonergan for forward Shiann Darkangelo.
Lonergan was selected in the 14th round by Ottawa's team in the inaugural PWHL draft, but she never signed with the club.
Adzija was Ottawa's third leading goal scorer with five, along with three assists, while the diminutive Boulier was a popular stalwart on the blueline who had a goal among her six points.
But Hirshfeld believes he bettered his team — which is one point behind Boston for the last post-season spot — with seven games left on the schedule.
“(Darkangelo) is a veteran player who has been through battles and playoff races,” he said of the 30-year-old veteran, who had one assist in 17 games for Boston.
Last season, as captain of the Toronto Six in the Premier Hockey Federation, had 25 points in 24 games to lead the team to the Isobel Cup.
Vanisova was tied for fourth in Montreal team scoring with 10 points, on two goals and eight assists. A former star player at the University of Maine, she too was on the PWF championship Six last season.
She also played for Ottawa coach Carla Macleod with the Czech national team.
“Obviously, our coach knows exactly what she brings to the table,” Hirshfeld said of the 28-year-old Vanisova.
“She is an incredibly exciting, top-six forward who is under contract for next season as well.
Both new players are expected to be in the Ottawa lineup for Wednesday's game in Bridgeport, Conn., against New York.