Stephanie Markowski Bio
Stephanie Markowski is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defender. Born on August 24, 2001, in Edmonton, Alberta, she currently skates for PWHL Detroit of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She previously spent time with the Ottawa Charge after being selected in the 2024 PWHL Draft. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, Markowski is recognized for her two-way play from the back end and her leadership on both the college and professional stages.
Markowski rose to prominence as a teenager in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League before going on to play four seasons of NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey. A product of the Pursuit of Excellence program, she has represented Canada at the international level, contributing to a gold medal at the 2019 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship.
Early Life and Background
Stephanie Markowski was born on August 24, 2001, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Carrie and Robert Markowski. Growing up in a Canadian city with a deep hockey tradition, she was introduced to the sport at a young age and quickly progressed through the local youth ranks. Her development within Alberta’s competitive minor hockey pathways laid the foundation for a future in elite-level women’s hockey.
As a teenager, Markowski joined the Pursuit of Excellence program, a well-regarded development route based in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. During the 2019 season, she recorded ten goals and 20 assists in 30 games and earned the league’s Top Defenseman award. That same year, she earned a spot on Canada’s roster for the IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship, where she recorded one goal and two assists in four games and won a gold medal.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following her strong showing in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, Markowski committed to Clarkson University, where she began her collegiate hockey career during the 2019–20 season. Her freshman year featured 11 assists in 36 games, along with 74 blocked shots, second-most on the team. As a sophomore, she posted two goals and nine assists in 19 games during a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her junior year, Markowski produced five goals and six assists in 37 games, and during her senior campaign she tallied nine goals and 23 assists in 42 games while leading Clarkson with 82 blocked shots. On March 28, 2023, she announced her decision to transfer to Ohio State for her final year of eligibility. As a graduate student in 2023–24, she recorded three goals and 24 assists in 39 games and helped the Buckeyes capture their second NCAA women’s ice hockey national championship.
Stephanie Markowski Career
Early Career (2019–2024)
Markowski’s early career was defined by steady growth at Clarkson. Across four seasons with the Golden Knights, she developed into a reliable two-way defender known for her shot-blocking and playmaking. Her senior year totals of nine goals and 23 assists marked a significant offensive step forward, and her leadership on the blue line made her a highly sought-after transfer.
Her move to Ohio State for the 2023–24 season gave Markowski a new platform to showcase her game on a national championship stage. Her 24 assists helped fuel the Buckeyes’ offense, and she was a key contributor during their run to the program’s second NCAA title.
PWHL Breakthrough (2024–2025)
On June 10, 2024, Markowski was selected in the fourth round, 20th overall, by PWHL Ottawa in the 2024 PWHL Draft. During Ottawa’s pre-season camp in November 2024, she posted one goal and two assists in two games, earning a one-year contract with the Ottawa Charge.
During the 2024–25 PWHL season, Markowski recorded one goal and four assists in 28 games, settling into a steady role on Ottawa’s back end. Her poise and skating helped the Charge compete in the league’s second season, and her comfort with the puck made her a regular on the team’s power play and penalty kill units.
Ottawa Charge Era (2025–2026)
On July 11, 2025, Markowski signed a one-year contract extension with the Ottawa Charge, signaling the franchise’s confidence in her continued development. During the 2025–26 PWHL season, she recorded one goal and four assists in 30 games, mirroring her offensive production from her rookie year while taking on a larger role defensively.
Her dependable two-way play helped the Charge remain competitive in the league’s third season, and her steady minutes on the blue line reinforced her reputation as a reliable defender. The extension allowed her to build further chemistry with teammates and the coaching staff throughout the campaign.
PWHL Detroit Era (2026–Present)
On June 21, 2026, Markowski signed a two-year contract with PWHL Detroit, marking a new chapter in her professional career. The move came after two productive seasons in Ottawa, and the long-term deal reflects her standing as one of the league’s emerging defensive talents.
As she transitions to a new organization, Markowski brings championship experience from Ohio State and a track record of consistent two-way production. Her arrival in Detroit is expected to add stability and skill to the team’s defensive corps.
Driving Style and Strengths
Markowski is regarded as a balanced, puck-moving defender with strong positional awareness. Her ability to read the play, block shots, and contribute offensively with crisp passing has been a hallmark of her game since her Pursuit of Excellence days. She is also a right-handed shot, a valuable asset on the blue line for breakouts and one-timers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Markowski’s career has been highlighted by several signature moments, including her 2019 IIHF World Women’s U18 gold medal with Canada and her role in Ohio State’s 2024 NCAA championship. Her pre-season performance with Ottawa in 2024, which led to her first professional contract, and her two-year deal with PWHL Detroit in 2026 stand out as defining professional milestones.
Stephanie Markowski Career Wins
Across her competitive career, Stephanie Markowski has earned recognition at the youth, collegiate, and professional levels. Her trophy case includes a Canadian Sport School Hockey League Top Defenseman award, an IIHF U18 gold medal, and an NCAA Division I national championship, highlighting her consistent success on every stage she has played.
NCAA and PWHL Highlights
At Ohio State, Markowski was a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ 2024 NCAA women’s ice hockey national championship, finishing the season with three goals and 24 assists. In the PWHL, she has not yet won a league title, but her consistent offensive production and reliable defensive play have established her as a regular contributor for both the Ottawa Charge and PWHL Detroit.
Other Wins and Performances
On the international stage, Markowski helped Canada capture gold at the 2019 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship, posting one goal and two assists in four games. Her development through the Pursuit of Excellence program and her Top Defenseman award in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League remain foundational accomplishments in her career.
Stephanie Markowski Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Stephanie Markowski was raised in Edmonton, Alberta, by her parents, Carrie Markowski and Robert Markowski. Growing up in one of Canada’s most hockey-rich cities, she benefited from a strong local hockey culture that helped shape her development. Her family’s support played an important role as she pursued elite-level opportunities through the Pursuit of Excellence program and beyond.
Personal Life
Markowski maintains an active presence on social media, where she is known professionally as a Canadian defender pursuing her career in the PWHL. Public information about her personal relationships, marital status, and children is not widely reported, and she is generally recognized for her dedication to her sport and her ongoing development as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year marked a transitional and productive period for Stephanie Markowski. After signing a one-year contract extension with the Ottawa Charge on July 11, 2025, she entered the 2025–26 PWHL season with an established role on the team’s blue line. Across 30 games, she recorded one goal and four assists, matching her offensive totals from her rookie campaign while continuing to provide steady defense.
Her reliable two-way play helped the Charge remain competitive in the league’s third season, and her continued shot-blocking and puck-moving skills reinforced her reputation as a dependable defender. The season also served as a foundation for her next career step.
On June 21, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of the 2025–26 PWHL season, Markowski signed a two-year contract with PWHL Detroit, signaling a new chapter in her professional journey. The long-term deal reflects her growth as a defender and positions her as a key part of Detroit’s defensive core heading into future seasons.