As Sarah Fillier aims to excel as a top women’s hockey player globally, the New York Sirens center is not content after winning the PWHL rookie of the year title. Despite tying with Hilary Knight for the league’s top spot with 29 points, Fillier spent the offseason reflecting on missed opportunities that led to New York finishing last in the standings for the second consecutive year.
The 25-year-old emphasized the significance of pivotal moments where she had the game in her control but couldn’t score, ultimately contributing to New York’s midseason downfall. “To reach the pinnacle of the sport, it’s these moments that truly define you,” Fillier remarked.
Ashamed of losing, the former Princeton standout and 2022 Team Canada Olympic gold medalist is highly motivated as the Sirens start the third PWHL season in Ottawa. Fillier now has a strengthened team around her following the Sirens’ strategic draft selections.
General manager Pascal Daoust secured Colgate forward Kristyna Kaltounkova as the top pick and later acquired the No. 3 selection, which was used to draft NCAA women’s hockey MVP Casey O’Brien.
The addition of second-round pick Anne Cherkowski, with an impressive college performance of 147 points in 168 games, further solidifies the Sirens’ young forward lineup.
To compensate for the experienced players lost in trades and expansions, the Sirens brought in new talents. Notably, forwards Alex Carpenter and Jessie Eldridge joined Seattle, Ella Shelton was traded to Toronto for the No. 3 pick, and Abby Roque moved to Montreal, bringing in Team Canada forward Kristen O’Neill.
With Fillier leading the pack, the team now boasts a strong frontline comprising Kaltounkova, O’Brien, O’Neill, and Cherkowski, giving coach Greg Fargo numerous lineup options.
“This is a fresh start with a new team due to significant changes,” mentioned Fargo, in his second year as coach. “It’s an exciting phase for us.”
Positive Impact on Sirens
The Sirens, struggling to win games and attract fans in Newark, New Jersey, are hopeful for a turnaround with the recent additions.
Fargo’s familiarity with Kaltounkova from his coaching days at Colgate adds a personal touch. Kaltounkova, the first European top pick in the PWHL draft, set records in college with 111 goals and 233 points in 171 games.
O’Brien, a playmaking center, returns to her hometown after a stellar season at Wisconsin, leading the nation with 88 points in 41 games.
“We aim to change the narrative from the past seasons,” O’Brien stated confidently. “We are geared up for a fresh start and a new team culture.”
On the defensive end, the Sirens retain Micah Zandee-Hart, Maja Nylen Persson, and Jaime Bourbonnais, while adding Jincy Roese through free agency.
In goal, the Sirens have a youthful lineup following Corinne Schroeder’s departure to Seattle. Kayle Osborne, with her recent Team Canada debut, will be supported by rookie picks Callie Shanahan and Kacey Doyle.
Fillier, the top pick in the 2024 PWHL draft, is enthusiastic about her future in New York after signing a two-year deal in July.
“I’m excited about the potential and Greg’s coaching vision,” Fillier expressed. “With the talent from our college recruits, we have a formidable roster.”
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