2025-26 PWHL Season Preview: New York Sirens

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What Happened Last Season?

The Sirens finished with a record of 8-4-5-13 and a total of 37 points, finishing sixth out of six in the PWHL and receiving the first overall pick in the entry draft.

Behind the Scenes Changes

New York brought in Valérie Bois as an assistant coach to Greg Fargo. Bois most recently served as head coach with Bishop’s University’s women’s hockey program, leading the Gaiters to their first USports championship in 2024-25. 

New York named forward Sarah Fillier and defender Jaime Bourbonnais alternate captains, replacing the departed Alex Carpenter and Ella Shelton in the team’s leadership group. Defender Micah Zandee-Hart will wear the ‘C’ for a third season.

The Sirens signed Bourbonnais and goaltender Kayle Osborne each to one-year contract extensions on Nov. 18th. Bourbonnais is now under team control through the 2026-27 season, while Osborne is signed through 2027-28.

Current Roster

Each player’s jersey number is in parentheses.

Forwards: Elle Hartje (4), Savannah Norcross (7), Sarah Fillier (10), Taylor Girard (17), Maddi Wheeler (18), Paetyn Levis (19), Anna Bargman (22), Anne Cherkowski (24), Casey O’Brien (26), Emmy Fecteau (29), Kristin O’Neill (43), Kayla Vespa (81), Kristýna Kaltounková (98)

Defenders: Maja Nylén Persson (8), Jaime Bourbonnais (14), Lauren Bernard (16), Allyson Simpson (20), Micah Zandee-Hart (28), Jincy Roese (71), Nicole Vallario* (88)

Goaltenders: Callie Shanahan (37), Kaley Doyle (39), Kayle Osborne (82)

Reserve: Olivia Knowles (9)

Long-Term Injured Reserve: Dayle Ross (2)

*Vallario was signed to a reserve contract, but has been activated to begin the season as a corresponding move to Ross being placed on LTIR.

Key New Arrivals

Each player’s previous team and league are in parentheses.

• F Anna Bargman (Yale, ECAC/NCAA)
• F Anne Cherkowski (Clarkson, ECAC/NCAA)
• F Kristýna Kaltounková (Colgate, ECAC/NCAA)
• F Casey O’Brien (Wisconsin, WCHA/NCAA)
• F Kristin O’Neill (Montréal Victoire, PWHL)
• F Maddi Wheeler (Ohio State, WCHA/PWHL)
• D Jincy Roese (Ottawa Charge, PWHL)
• D Dayle Ross (St. Cloud State, WCHA/NCAA)
• G Kaley Doyle (Quinnipiac, ECAC/NCAA)
• G Callie Shanahan (Boston University, Hockey East/NCAA)

Key Departures

Each player’s new team and league are in parentheses.

• F Alex Carpenter (Seattle Torrent, PWHL)
• F Jade Downie-Landry (Montréal Victoire, PWHL)
• F Jessie Eldridge (Seattle Torrent, PWHL)
• F Élizabeth Giguère (Minnesota Frost, PWHL)
• F Abby Roque (Montréal Victoire, PWHL)
• F Gabby Rosenthal (Vancouver Goldeneyes, PWHL)
• F Noora Tulus (Brynäs IF, SDHL)
• D Brooke Hobson (Ottawa Charge, PWHL)
• D Ella Shelton (Toronto Sceptres, PWHL)
• G Corinne Schroeder (Seattle Torrent, PWHL)

Predictions!

New York finally qualifies for the playoffs. The third time’s the charm for the new-look Sirens.

Sarah Fillier wins MVP. This one’s likely contingent on the first prediction working out, as for the Sirens to make it to the postseason, they’ll need Fillier at her best.

Kristin O’Neill sets career highs in goals, assists and points. With a deeper forward core and more linemate flexibility than she had in Montréal, O’Neill will greatly benefit from her change in scenery.