Confirmed! ÖEHV captain Anna Meixner signs a one-year contract with PWHL Ottawa

Anna Meixner was delighted with the major step in her career in PWHL Ottawa’s announcement: "I followed the league’s activities during its first season. I think it is every player’s dream to play with and compete against the best players in the world. I imagined playing in front of all those fans. I wanted to give that a try!"

In 2023, she was named MVP of the Swedish women’s ice hockey league, the SDHL, recording 54 points in 30 games and scoring 26 goals for Brynäs IF. The 30-year-old has been one of Europe’s best players for years.

Ottawa manager Mike Hirshfeld knows what his team is getting in the Austrian forward: "Anna is an experienced player who has been very successful in Europe. We believe her offensive skills will translate very well to the PWHL. We are delighted to have her in our organisation. We like her speed and her instincts in the offensive zone."

After Theresa Schafzahl, Anna Meixner became the second Austrian to be drafted into the PWHL in June 2024 – 32nd overall by PWHL Ottawa. Schafzahl was drafted by Boston at 39th overall last year and scored her club’s first goal in its opening game in January.

Last April, the two Austrian figureheads – with Anna Meixner as captain – battled side by side for promotion to the Top Division at the World Championship Division IA in Klagenfurt, which Austria narrowly missed out on. Meixner recorded seven points in five games – three goals and four assists.

“During the SDHL final series in Sweden, we played in front of around 8.000 fans. That was an incredible experience for me. Last season, the World Championship was held at home in Austria. I was captain of our team and realised that I have the privilege of inspiring many young female ice hockey players. That is something I fight very hard for!” the Salzburg native added.