New York Sirens Shakeup Fuels Shutout

The Sirens new roster delivered what fans were looking for with a bit of a twist, falling to the bottom of the standings two-years in a row. 

In the off-season the Sirens roster underwent a lot of changes starting from the expansion draft losing Corinne Schroeder, Alex Carpenter, Jessie Eldridge, and Gabby Rosenthal. 

At the draft, New York traded defender Ella Shelton to Toronto to secure Casey O’Brien third overall and Abby Roque to Montreal for Kristen O’Neil and their fourth round pick which they used to get goaltender Callie Shanahan. 

The Sirens signed 8 of their 9 draft picks: Kristýna Kaltounková, Casey O’Brien, Anne Cherkowski, Daryle Ross, Maddi Wheeler, Callie Shanahan, Anna Bargman, and Kaley Doyle.

With a wave of roster changes, the New York Sirens are looking to channel fresh energy and momentum to lead them to greater success. 

New York's starting line Filler-O’Brien-Cherkowski showed they were one to watch in the pre-season. However, in their opening game against the Ottawa Charge it was their third line Wheeler-Hartje-Girard that dominated. 

The game remained scoreless through the first two periods as the teams found their rhythm and chemistry on the ice. 

Taylor Girard struck first in the third period putting the Sirens on the board off a pass from Maddi Wheeler. Six minutes later Girard struck again, doubling New York's lead with assists from Maddi Wheeler and Elle Hartje. Three minutes after that Girard completed her natural hat trick, assisted by Elle Hartje and Maddi Wheeler. In the 2024-25 season, Girard only recorded one goal in 23 games. 

Then, to cap off the night, Maja Nylen Persson scored short handed on the empty net, bringing the final score to 4-0. 

In the win, Kayle Osbourne saved all 28 shots against her, marking her second shutout in Ottawa. While on the other side Gwyneth Phillips recorded 38 saves on 41 shots. 

This is New York's third straight win in their season opener, and second shutout of the three. We have seen the Sirens succeed early in the season, then fall to the bottom of the standings. Will New York be able to carry their early season success throughout the season? Only time will tell, the Sirens play their next game on Tuesday when they visit the Montreal Victoire.