The New York Sirens are embarking on a fresh start in their third PWHL season as the sole team in the league yet to experience a playoff game. Their season opener was a success, with the Sirens defeating the Ottawa Charge 4-0.
Despite the departure of four of their top five scorers from the previous season, and the exit of long-time starting goaltender Corinne Schroder, who joined the Seattle Torrent, the Sirens (1-0-0-0) have smoothly transitioned. Kayle Osborne has taken over the No. 1 goaltender position this season and secured a shutout against the Ottawa Charge (0-0-0-1) for the second time in her PWHL career.
Reflecting on the victory, Osborne stated, “We’re a super young group and proved we belong in this league tonight.”
The Sirens showcased their offensive prowess by scoring four goals in the final 12:11 of the game, with forward Taylor Girard netting a hat trick and Maja Nylen Persson adding an empty-net goal.
New York’s top draft pick, Kristýna Kaltounková, made her presence known with an early physical play resulting in a boarding penalty. Despite Ottawa briefly capitalizing on a power play opportunity, they were penalized for having too many players on the ice.
The game saw increased intensity, leading to New York’s captain, Micah Zandee-Hart, being ejected for a cross-check on Ottawa’s Gabbie Hughes. Despite the physicality, Hughes emphasized the competitive nature of the league.
Ottawa goalie Gwyneth Philips put up a strong performance, keeping the Charge in the game until the third period when the Sirens broke through. Maddi Wheeler and Taylor Girard capitalized on scoring opportunities, ultimately securing a 4-0 victory for New York.
Osborne’s unbeaten record in Ottawa continued, with the goaltender receiving extra support from friends and family in attendance.
In contrast, the Charge struggled to find the back of the net, continuing their scoring challenges from the previous season. Ottawa’s head coach, Carla MacLeod, acknowledged the need for offensive improvement following the season opener.
The loss marks the beginning of a three-game homestand for the Charge, while the Sirens will hit the road to face the Montreal Victoire before returning home to host the Vancouver Goldeneyes.