On the spot with CAA: Brianne Jenner and Rebecca Leslie of the Ottawa Charge

What happens when two of the PWHL Ottawa Charge's brightest stars sit down to see how well they know each other? You get a fun, insightful look at the camaraderie and competitiveness that makes the team such great role models for aspiring female hockey players and so exciting to watch. 

We caught up with captain Brianne Jenner and forward Rebecca Leslie ahead of their appearance at Sens Skills presented by CAA North & East Ontario. Between laughter and challenging questions, the two reflected on hockey milestones, their favourite Sens Skills events, and the changing landscape of women's hockey. 

Meet Brianne and Rebecca 

Rebecca Leslie is an Ottawa-born hockey player, forward for the Ottawa Charge, and the first and only Ottawa local on the team. She grew up visiting TD Place Arena to watch the 67's, but now she is stepping out on the same ice as a pro.  

Playing and watching hockey in Ottawa means that Rebecca knows the impact of the hockey community on the city. During the off-season, she had the chance to coach two camps in Ottawa, allowing young girls to attend female-coached events. It’s something she never had the opportunity to do.  

Community and family mean a lot to Rebecca, especially when it comes to the most important hockey player in her life, her brother, Zach.  

"You guys are a lot alike," remarks Rebecca's teammate, Brianne Jenner. "You both take your craft very seriously; you push each other."  

Being a source of local pride for Rebecca is reflected by the fans every time she steps onto the ice at TD Place Arena. "Our hero, Rebecca Leslie, with all the signs at the games," Brianne says, commenting on the fan love she gets from the stands.  

Brianne Jenner is the Ottawa Charge's captain and is a champion of women's hockey on and off the ice. With two Olympic gold medals under her belt and being named the 2022 Olympic MVP, there is no denying Brianne's ability to lead the Ottawa Charge. Brianne was one of the first players to sign with the PWHL in 2023. She also holds an Olympic silver medal and is a three-time world champion.  

Throughout Brianne's career, she's had several coaches who have helped shape her into the player she is today. She gives back through her hockey academies in her hometown of Oakville and Ottawa, where she leads a talented group of instructors in challenging and fun programs focusing on building skills and a love of hockey.  

When it comes to coaches and role models, she says she’s been lucky enough to have had several women head coaches throughout her hockey career. "I think I’ve had around seven or eight," she says.  

"That is a lot more than I've had," Rebecca chimes in. "I think I've only had like three." 

The evolution of women's hockey 

For Brianne Jenner, the past decade has marked a profound transformation in women's hockey, a shift she describes with a mix of pride and optimism. At the heart of the change lies a significant increase in investment, signalling a new era for women's sports. 

"For years, women's hockey fans have known how fun and entertaining our product is," Brianne reflects. "But now, it's incredibly exciting to see communities and businesses start to recognize the economic value it holds—what it can bring to a community, what it can bring for us here at Lansdowne." 

She sees this acknowledgment as a pivotal moment, a departure from when women's hockey was often treated as a charitable cause. "It's seen as a real product that we're proud of. That's been a cool change." 

More investment has been made in women's sports, and it's exciting for the community. Adding to the energy is the upcoming Sens Skills competition presented by CAA North & East Ontario. For the first time, two U13 competitive girls will join two boys as part of the two squads. CAA has also gifted more than 1000 tickets to Ottawa girls hockey teams through the Ottawa Girls Hockey Association. And, as with the past two years, the competition will include four PWHL players. 

Back on the ice with the Ottawa Senators 

For the two players, spending time on the ice with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators is a fun highlight that comes with the annual Sens Skills, presented by CAA North & East Ontario on February 23, 2025. For 2025, they’ll be joined by teammates, forward Danielle Serdachny, and returning Sens Skills alumni, forward, Emily Clark.  

So, which member of the Ottawa Charge is the most competitive? "I think you might be the most competitive all around," Brianne tells Rebecca.  

Rebecca Leslie has mixed feelings. "I don't see it as much," she admits before quickly pointing to her teammates. "I feel like Danielle is very competitive. But you're very competitive. Like training with you, you don't want to lose, even if it's just like a practice game. So maybe you." 

That drive for excellence might come in handy as the Ottawa Charge prepares for the upcoming Sens Skills, an event blending fun and skillful competition. It's not Leslie's first time participating. In fact, she's already tested her mettle before. 

"Me and Jamie Lee Rattray did it two years ago," Rebecca recalls. "We did it all!" 

"Did you win any of them?" Brianne Jenner asks teasingly. 

"No," Rebecca laughs, "but I think my favourite one was the stick-handling relay. It was fun, though; it was definitely nerve-wracking." 

Don't miss Sens Skills 

Catch Brianne Jenner, Rebecca Leslie, and their teammates from the Ottawa Charge at Sens Skills, presented by CAA North & East Ontario, on February 23, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre. It's a family-friendly event you won't want to miss. Learn more.