The New York Sirens made a splash in the first round of the PWHL draft held on June 24, 2025, in Ottawa. They kicked off their draft by selecting Kristyna Kaltounkova, a standout forward from Colgate, with the first overall pick. The Sirens didn’t stop there; they traded up to grab Wisconsin’s Casey O’Brien with the third pick, aiming to boost their offensive lineup.
This year’s draft came after the Sirens lost key players Alex Carpenter and Jessie Eldridge. Both were left unprotected during the exclusive signing window and expansion draft. The addition of Kaltounkova and O’Brien is expected to fill that gap and bring fresh energy to the team.
Kaltounkova, who hails from Vlasim, Czechia, had an impressive college career, ranking in the top ten for goal scoring nationally last season. She scored a remarkable 111 goals during her time at Colgate. After being drafted, she expressed her excitement, stating that she was ready to contribute in any way possible.
O’Brien also had a standout season, leading the nation with 88 points and 62 assists. She was recognized as the top women’s college hockey player in the United States. O’Brien shared her gratitude for being chosen by the Sirens, calling it a special moment that capped off an incredible year for her.
In a strategic move, the Sirens traded defender Ella Shelton to acquire the third and 27th picks in the draft. This allowed them to secure O’Brien, reinforcing their offensive strategy.
Overall, the Sirens made nine selections during the draft. They added forward Anne Cherkowski from Clarkson University in the second round and Ohio State forward Makenna Webster in the third round. They also selected defender Dayle Ross from St. Cloud State University at the 25th pick, along with Maddi Wheeler from Ohio State and goaltender Callie Shanahan from Boston University, whom they picked up in a trade with Montreal. The team rounded out their draft by selecting Anna Bargman from Yale in the fifth round and Quinnipiac goaltender Kaley Doyle in the sixth round.
With these new additions, the Sirens are looking to strengthen their roster and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.