Danielle Serdachny has the honor of representing Canada in her hometown during crucial hockey games that could impact her Olympic aspirations.
The 24-year-old Edmonton native, along with her Canadian teammates, is set to wrap up the four-game Rivalry Series against the United States with matches at Rogers Place on Wednesday and Saturday.
The U.S. dominated Canada with a 10-2 scoreline over two victories to kick off the series in Cleveland and Buffalo, N.Y., back in November.
Serdachny, a key player who has competed in the last three world championships for Canada and notably scored the overtime game-winning goal in 2024, is currently in her second season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, now playing for the expansion team Seattle Torrent.
For Serdachny, facing the U.S. in her hometown of Edmonton, where she grew up, adds an extra layer of significance to the games leading up to the Olympic Games.
“It means a lot,” Serdachny expressed.
“If you had asked me years ago, even when they were in Edmonton a few years back, if I would be in this position today, I would have been hesitant but hopeful. I am truly excited for the opportunity to showcase high-level hockey in Edmonton.”
Edmonton Ties
While attending high school and playing hockey at the Pursuit of Excellence academy in Kelowna, B.C., Serdachny witnessed Jennifer Wakefield’s overtime winner for Canada against the U.S. at Rogers Place on December 17, 2017, in a prelude to the 2018 Winter Games.
The Edmonton Oilers held a special place in Serdachny’s upbringing as her father, Steve, served as the NHL team’s skills coach for twelve years. Serdachny now serves as an ambassador for the Oilers’ community foundation.
During a PWHL neutral-site Takeover Tour game last season with the Ottawa Charge at Rogers Place, Serdachny felt the overwhelming support and attention.
“I definitely noticed a higher level of engagement compared to other Takeover Tour games,” she reminisced.
‘Proud to Represent’
Standing at five-foot-nine and weighing 157 pounds, Serdachny is among the 30 players in Canada’s core group of Olympic hopefuls. The final 23-player roster for the upcoming Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, is slated to be unveiled in early January.
Canada kicks off their gold medal defense on February 5 in Milan against Finland.
“These are the final games before the Olympics, so many players are still competing for spots, but it’s always an honor to represent my country, especially in my hometown,” Serdachny remarked.
Selection criteria for the Olympic team include a player’s performance both with the national squad and in the PWHL. Serdachny, a former 25-goal scorer in her senior year at Colgate, recorded two goals and six assists in 30 games for Ottawa in her rookie PWHL season, along with two assists in eight playoff appearances.
