The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is currently deep into its third season, with the New York Sirens emerging as strong contenders for the playoffs. Following the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Sirens are positioned in the middle of the league standings, showing promising potential to secure their first postseason appearance while maintaining a balanced roster of experienced veterans and emerging rookies.
New York Sirens’ Olympians Bolster Team Strength
Among the 25 players on the Sirens’ roster, six took part in the recent Winter Olympics, showcasing the high level of talent within the team. Three players represented Canada, bringing valuable international experience back to the squad.
Sarah Fillier, a two-time Olympian, was a standout for Canada at the 2026 Games, achieving six points through three goals and three assists, ranking second in tournament scoring behind Daryl Watts of Toronto Sceptres. Fillier, the first overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Draft, has translated her Olympic success to the league with 10 points in 15 games this season, anchoring the Sirens’ first line as a center. Her consistent performance hints at an impressive second half to the season.
Kristin O’Neill also made her Olympic debut with Canada, participating in seven games and accumulating five points, tying for third place in tournament points alongside Seattle Torrent’s Julia Gosling. Despite typically centering the fourth line, O’Neill scored Canada’s only shorthanded goal in the gold medal match. At the club level, she has gathered five points in 15 games, often occupying a center role on the second line and steadily solidifying her presence in the team.
Another Canadian Olympian, Kayle Osborne, was selected for the Olympic roster but did not see ice time during the tournament due to the preference for netminders Ann-Renee Desbiens and Emerance Maschmeyer. Returning to the Sirens, Osborne has taken on the responsibility of starting goaltender, playing 15 of 16 games and achieving a 7-6-1-1 record with three shutouts so far. This marks Osborne’s first season in a primary goaltending role, reflecting her growth and adaptability.
Representing Czechia, Kristyna Kaltounkova, the first European to be chosen first overall in the PWHL Draft, also made her Olympic debut. Over five Olympic games, she tallied two points from one goal and one assist as Czechia reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Sweden. Kaltounkova is enjoying a breakthrough season in the PWHL, leading both the Sirens and the league in goals with 11 in 16 games, marking her as a powerful offensive force in her rookie campaign.
Swedish defender Maja Nylen Persson marked her third Olympic appearance by playing seven games and recording three assists. She earned a reputation as a reliable two-way defender and contributed significantly to Sweden’s playoff push, which culminated in an overtime loss to Switzerland in the bronze medal game. With the Sirens, Nylen Persson has played every game this season, registering four points and consistently pairing with captain Micah Zandee-Hart to provide steady defensive play.
Nicole Vallario, a veteran Swiss defender, appeared in all seven Olympic games as Switzerland secured its first medal in 12 years, focusing on strong defensive contributions though she did not record any points. Vallario has only played twice with the Sirens this season but made an immediate impression by scoring in her debut against the Vancouver Goldeneyes. Though sidelined since early December, her return is anticipated to strengthen New York’s defense further.
Blending Experience with Youth on the Sirens Roster
The 2025-26 season roster for the Sirens is a carefully crafted balance of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, following strategic decisions made in the 2025 PWHL Draft. The team traded key players like Ella Shelton and Abby Roque to build depth in the draft while retaining a strong core.
Leadership Anchors Team Culture
During the 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft, the Sirens protected three players from being picked by Vancouver and Seattle, underscoring their value to the organization. Among those protected was captain Micah Zandee-Hart, a defender known for her leadership since being named captain in the 2024 season. She has contributed three assists in 16 games and forms the cornerstone of the team’s top defensive pairing. New York’s decision to retain Zandee-Hart highlights their commitment to maintaining team cohesion and stability.
Alternate captains Jamie Bourbonnais and Sarah Fillier have also played pivotal roles in the team’s culture. Bourbonnais, a defender since the team’s inception, has earned five points in 14 games while helping instill resilience among the players. Forward Taylor Girard has been a notable offensive asset, starting the season with a hat trick against the Ottawa Charge and adding three points overall. Despite a midseason suspension reduced from four to three games following an on-ice altercation after a game in Washington, D.C., Girard is expected to return to action on February 26.
Adding veteran stability to the defensive line, Jincy Roese joined the Sirens this season after two years with Ottawa. She has contributed six assists over 16 games, complementing the blue line along with Zandee-Hart and Bourbonnais.
Rookie Players Making Their Mark
The Sirens have several rookies who are gaining traction this season, highlighting the team’s draft strategy and development focus. Casey O’Brien, selected third overall after trading Ella Shelton to Toronto, had a slow start but has accelerated recently. O’Brien’s memorable hat trick came during the Dallas Takeover Tour game in late November, and her performance since has included one goal and five assists in her last seven games, demonstrating a sharp improvement in offensive contribution.
Forward Maddi Wheeler, chosen with Toronto’s fourth-round pick, impressed with early synergy alongside Taylor Girard, assisting all three goals in her debut. Wheeler has accumulated eight points across 16 games, establishing herself as an integral part of the Sirens’ bottom-six forwards.
Anne Cherkowski, a second-round pick, is currently riding a two-game goal streak with six points in 14 games. Her ability to find the net at crucial moments signals growing confidence as the season resumes.
Anna Bargman, a fifth-round selection and Yale University captain, entered the PWHL with high expectations. She reached the 100-point milestone in college and is beginning to translate that talent into the professional ranks. After starting slowly, Bargman has three points to her name, including her first goal and multiple assists, suggesting an upward trajectory in her rookie season.
The Sirens doubled down on goaltending depth by drafting Callie Shanahan in the fourth round, following a trade that sent Abby Roque to Montréal. Shanahan debuted on January 20, recording a .810 save percentage with 17 saves on 21 shots, marking a solid start for the rookie netminder. While Kayle Osborne remains the primary goalie, Shanahan’s performance indicates the potential for increased opportunities ahead.
Defender Dayle Ross faced an injury early in the season but has returned to the lineup and quickly increased her ice time, showcasing strong defensive skills as she reintegrates into the team. Her ability to contribute effectively in limited minutes bodes well for her expanding role in coming games.
Current Standings Highlight Playoff Potential for the Sirens
Heading into the latter half of the season, the New York Sirens hold fourth place overall in the PWHL standings, firmly inside the playoff picture. This marks a significant advance from their last-place finishes in each of their first two seasons and reflects the successful blend of youth and experience on the roster.
The Sirens are positioned as the last of the original six teams still vying to make the playoffs, and their balanced roster and leadership core provide a solid foundation for contention. However, the league remains highly competitive and fluid, with tight point margins ensuring that the race for postseason berths could shift rapidly.
The Sirens’ Return to Action Scheduled for February 26
After the Olympic break, the New York Sirens will return to the ice on Thursday, February 26, hosting the Montréal Victoire. This game marks the resumption of regular-season play and presents an important opportunity for the Sirens to reinforce their playoff position under renewed focus and energy.
