We sat down with Dan, one of the founders of Red Scarf Union (RSU), to dive into the story behind the group that’s bringing unmatched energy, heart, and purpose to women’s hockey in Ottawa. From the first puck drop to the loudest roar, here’s how RSU became more than a fan club—it became a community.
Built by the Fans
Q: Can you take us back to the early days of Red Scarf Union? What sparked the idea to start the group, and how did it all come together?
“Red Scarf Union was born from a simple but powerful idea: to build a passionate, welcoming fan base for the Ottawa Charge. Having already created a well-known community around the Ottawa Senators, we knew firsthand how a strong supporters’ group could energize an arena. And we believed women’s hockey deserved that same level of enthusiasm, visibility, and love.
From the beginning, it was important to us to support this new women’s league not just as fans, but as true believers in its long-term potential. We recognized that early support would be critical in laying the foundation for something that could grow and thrive for years to come.
More than anything, we wanted to create a space where fans of women’s hockey felt heard, respected, and safe—a place where their passion could flourish. A small but committed group came together around that vision, believing that fandom could be more than just showing up to watch. It could be about building a meaningful community, uplifting the sport, and maybe even creating a positive impact far beyond the city limits of Ottawa.”
Growing with Purpose
Q: Was there a moment when you realized, “Wow, this group is really something special”? Something that made you feel proud of how far RSU has come?
“There have been a few moments, honestly—but one that really stands out was seeing our Powerplay Promise campaign take off. Watching our community rally together to raise funds for local organizations and share tickets so that more people could experience the Charge in person—it just hit home that we’re doing so much more than cheering from the stands. We’re making a real impact.
Through Powerplay Promise, we’ve raised over $10,000 for our partner charities, including NEADS (the National Educational Association of Disabled Students), the Capital City Condors, and Kids Up Front. We even helped send one of our very own RSU members to represent at the Global Disability Summit.
It’s genuinely been one of our favourite things to see: people stepping up again and again to make sure that others have the chance to be part of something special at Ottawa Charge games. That kind of generosity, connection, and spirit is exactly what makes RSU feel like more than a fan group. It feels like a family.”
Daniel Keating holds the Red Scarf Union high.
Looking Ahead
Q: What’s next for the Red Scarf Union? Anything to keep an eye out for?
We’re always dreaming up new ways to grow the community and bring fans together—whether that’s more meetups, watch parties or new collaborations with local organizations. We want to keep finding ways to make sure RSU is a place where every fan feels seen and valued. And as the Charge grows, we want to be right there with them—louder, prouder, and more united than ever.
We’ve also got some special plans in the works over the summer to keep all things Ottawa Charge alive, even in the off-season. Plus, our shipment of RSU merch is arriving soon, and we can’t wait to see those scarves in the air when we’re back in the stands!”
Uniqueness
Q: In your opinion, what makes Red Scarf Union stand out from other fan communities?
“I think what really sets us apart is that we’re not just a fan group—we’re a true supporters’ union. We show up even in the worst snowstorms, we’re labeled as the best fan base in the PWHL, and we include other teams’ fans in our circle in a show of solidarity for women’s hockey—but more than that, we care about each other. There’s a real sense of belonging here, and a shared belief that women’s hockey deserves passionate, creative, and inclusive fan culture. It’s not just about the Charge—it’s about the community we’re building around the team.”
Inclusivity
Q: What inspired you to start a supporters’ group specifically for the Ottawa Charge, and how did that evolve from RSU’s earlier roots?
“From day one, we’ve made it clear that RSU is for everyone. That means creating a space where people feel safe being themselves—whether that’s at a game, in our Facebook group, or hanging out at a pub meetup. We try to lead by example: use inclusive language, actively welcome new folks, and listen to voices that don’t always get heard in sports spaces.
It’s why we launched initiatives like the Powerplay Promise—so we’re not just saying ‘you’re welcome here,’ we’re showing it in tangible ways. We’re proud to stand behind causes and communities that make this game—and our group—stronger.”
Building up a Community
Q: How did you rally the first few members, and what was the early response like from the community and the team itself?
“A lot of it was word of mouth and good old-fashioned enthusiasm—putting hundreds of hours building something we could all be proud of. We started by inviting people from our existing RSU Ottawa Senators community—as well as folks who were already passionate about growing the game—and then opened the door wide for new fans just discovering women’s pro hockey.
The team has been incredibly supportive from the start, which helped build momentum. It wasn’t long before we had the RSU scarf flying, signs in the crowd, and a little buzz building. The early response was amazing—people were ready for this, they just needed a place to plug into.”
Passion and Purpose
Q: How do you balance being fans and advocates—both cheering on the team and championing broader issues like inclusion or accessibility in sports?
“I think the two go hand in hand. Being a fan, to me, isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about the community you build around the game. And that community only thrives when it’s equitable and inclusive. We can be loud in the stands and loud in our values.
Whether it’s sharing tickets through our Powerplay Promise, supporting LGBTQ+ fans, or amplifying disability advocacy groups, we see it all as part of the same mission: making hockey better, more welcoming, and more sustainable for everyone.”
Standing Out
Q: Do you have any standout moments where you felt RSU truly made a difference in the arena atmosphere?
“One that really sticks with me is when the Ottawa Charge had a goal called back and I got the entire arena chanting and motioning ‘GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!’ The players noticed and you could feel the energy shift in TD Place.
Another was when a first-time fan messaged me after a game to say they’d never felt more at home in a sports crowd. That’s when it hits you—it’s not just about making noise, it’s about creating a vibe people want to be part of. That’s the RSU magic.”
A big thank you to Dan for taking the time to sit down with me and answer all our questions!
