Charge sign Emily Clark to two-year contract extension

One of the top players in the nation’s capital is sticking around for a bit longer.

On Thursday, the Ottawa Charge announced that the team has signed forward Emily Clark to a two-year contract extension. The deal kicks in at the beginning of the 2026-27 season, and will carry through the following year.

Clark has been with the team since its inception, as she was one of the three original free agent signings in September 2023, alongside captain Brianne Jenner and goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer, agreeing to a three-year contract in the process.

The 29-year-old is elated to be staying in Ottawa for the foreseeable future.

“When [general manager Mike Hirshfeld] reached out about an extension, I was thrilled,” Clark said in a release. “I am proud to have been part of this organization from the inaugural season, and I am really grateful to get to extend my contract. … Playing for such a passionate fan base made it easy for me to want more time here. I’m excited for more games at TD Place and more time in the community. After coming up just short of the Walter Cup last season, I am as motivated as ever to work to bring a championship to Ottawa.”  

Clark has been a key part of the Charge’s attack since year one. After a promising first season, the alternate captain blossomed into a balanced scorer who complemented Tereza Vanisova. In 30 games last year, the Saskatoon native scored nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points, finishing second on the team in scoring behind Vanisova. In the playoffs, Clark turned things up, scoring three goals and five points, playing a crucial role in helping Ottawa get to the PWHL Final for the first time.

Clark scored the overtime winner in Game 1 of the series, but Ottawa ultimately lost to the Minnesota Frost in four games. She finished tied for fifth in playoff scoring with Minnesota’s Michela Cava.

In 54 PWHL games, the former Wisconsin Badger has scored 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points.

With the signing of Clark, Ottawa now has three players signed through 2027-28. Goaltender Gwyneth Philips signed a two-year extension earlier this summer, while first-round pick Rory Guilday signed a three-year deal as well. The Charge has reached its main roster limit, as 23 players have been signed to standard contracts for the 2025-26 campaign.