Charge Upset Sirens in Overtime

After making headlines with the biggest trade in PWHL history the Ottawa Charge headed to New York to take on the Sirens in their second matchup of the season. 

In their first matchup New York rained on Ottawa’s parade winning the Charge’s home opener 4-0. The Charge recently went on a 6 game win streak, 4 of which were won in extra time. Ottawa has been struggling to pick up regulation wins this season, tied for the least in the league at 3. However, their saving grace has been they are undefeated in extra time, but with the PWHL’s 3-point system they’re giving up points, which has slowed their rise in the standings. 

Well the New York Sirens off-season shakeup and incredible draft has continued to pay off sitting second in the league with a record of 7-0-2-5. A major highlight for New York has been Kristýna Kaltounková’s scoring touch, she is tied for second in the league with 8 goals so far in her rookie campaign. Another highlight for New York has been rookie Anne Cherkowski, who has been doing all the little things right on both ends of the ice, racking up lots of minutes, creating a major impact for the Sirens. 

In net for New York was Callie Shanahan for her first career start in the PWHL, she was drafted 28th overall in the fourth round of the 2025 PWHL draft. In college she played for the Boston Terriers, in her four years as a Terrier she recorded 32 wins, 29 losses, and 6 ties. 

Ottawa wasted no time slotting their three newest players into the lineup, with Brooke McQuigge joining Gabbie Hughes and Emily Clark on the second line; Michela Cava joining former UMD teammate Kateřina Mrázová and Fanuza Kadirova; while Emma Greco slotted in as the 7th defender. All 3 put up significant minutes in their first matchup. 

Brooke McQuigge joined the action quickly helping to get the puck out from the boards to Emily Clark who threw it in front for Gabbie Hughes to open the scoring in New Jersey. To wrap up the first period Stephanie Markowski was able to play the puck up for Rebecca Leslie on the indirect who Charged down the ice to bury Ottawa’s second of the game.  

Not long into the second period, the Charge were given a power-play, moving into the offensive zone Gabbie Hughes was able to play it across for Rebecca Leslie who fired off the shot, blocked by Shanahan's pad, but Captain Brianne Jenner was able cleanup in front to give the Charge a 3-1 lead. But the Sirens were able to fight back with Jamie Bourbonnais finding an answer later in the period giving New York momentum. 

The Sirens carried this momentum into the third period finding a few early looks before heading on the power-play. On the man advantage it was Kristen O’Neill who capitalized, closing the gap making it a one goal game. Not even two minutes later it was rookie Anne Cherkowski finding her way past Gwyneth Phillips. This is now her second game in a row with a goal, finding her first of the season Sunday when the Sirens took on the Montreal Victoire. 

After a few more chances regulation came to an end, with the teams tied 3-3. In overtime, the rookies were on full display with Casey O’Brien finding the first look for New York, but was turned away by Phillips. The next and final shot was fired off by Charge rookie, Sarah Wozniewicz. Wozniewicz has been a great addition for the Charge now with her third goal of the season, and second overtime winner, she’s showcased the impact she can have, and how dangerous her shot can be in overtime. 

Up next the Ottawa Charge head to Montreal to take on the Victoire, the teams met last Tuesday for their first matchup of the season, which Montreal took 2-1 to end the Charge’s 6-game win streak. Ottawa will look to carry the momentum from their overtime win against the Sirens, while the Victoire look to bounce back from their loss against the Sirens earlier this week. 

The New York Sirens now have a few much needed days off after playing 3 games in 5 days before heading to Minnesota to take on the Frost this Sunday. The teams split the preseason 1-1, and in their first regular matchup of the season earlier this month the Minnesota Frost took the game 2-1 in overtime. New York will look to get back in the win column well the Frost look to keep their momentum going.