After close loss in PWHL Finals, Ottawa Charge brace for roster shakeup [Video]

The Ottawa Charge have plenty to be proud of after a strong showing in the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s second season, but the real test lies ahead with inevitable roster changes.

Following a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to the Minnesota Frost in the deciding Game 4 of the Walter Cup final on Monday, players were still processing the defeat while also dealing with uncertainty about what the team will look like next season.

As the league prepares to expand into Vancouver and Seattle, the Charge and the other five current teams will lose four players to the expansion draft. Each team can protect three players initially, with the option to protect a fourth after two are selected.

Protection lists are due next Tuesday, and with significant changes expected, the Charge’s path forward is anything but certain.

General manager Mike Hirshfeld said they have already decided on who they will protect …