Danielle Serdachny has the opportunity to represent Canada in hockey games on home turf, which could have a significant impact on her chances for the Olympics.
The 24-year-old Edmonton native, along with her Canadian teammates, will wrap up the four-game Rivalry Series against the United States with matches at Rogers Place scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday.
In the initial games of the series held in Cleveland and Buffalo, the U.S. took the lead with a 10-2 score over Canada.
Serdachny, who has participated in the last three world championships for Canada and scored a crucial overtime goal in 2024, is currently in her second season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, playing for the newly formed Seattle Torrent.
Playing against the U.S. in what could be Canada’s final games against their long-standing rivals before the Olympics, especially in her hometown, adds extra significance for Serdachny.
“It holds a special meaning,” expressed Serdachny.
“If you had asked me years ago, even when they played in Edmonton a few years back, if I would find myself in this position, I would have been uncertain but hopeful. I am really looking forward to showcasing the best of Canadian hockey in Edmonton.”
Edmonton Connection
During her time at the Pursuit of Excellence academy in Kelowna, B.C., Serdachny witnessed Canada’s Jennifer Wakefield scoring the winning goal in overtime against the U.S. at Rogers Place on Dec. 17, 2017, in a prelude to the 2018 Winter Games.
Having her father, Steve, as the NHL team Edmonton Oilers’ skills coach for twelve years, the Oilers played a significant role in Serdachny’s upbringing. She now serves as an ambassador for the Oilers’ community foundation.
Her previous experience playing at Rogers Place with the Ottawa Charge in a PWHL neutral-site Takeover Tour game last season made her feel the overwhelming support and attention from the home crowd.
“The atmosphere was definitely busier 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 games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, is set to be announced in early January.
Canada is set to commence their gold medal defense on Feb. 5 in Milan against Finland.
“These are the final games before the Olympics, so many players are still competing for spots. Nonetheless, it’s always an honor to represent my country, especially in my hometown,” Serdachny remarked.
The selection criteria for the national team include a player’s performance with the national team and in the PWHL league. Serdachny, who scored 25 goals in her senior year at Colgate, recorded two goals and six assists in 30 games for Ottawa in her debut season and added two assists in eight playoff games.