The New York Sirens are embarking on a fresh start in their third PWHL season as the sole team in the league that has yet to play a playoff game. Their season began with a strong 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Charge.
Despite losing four of their top five scorers from the previous season, along with longtime starting goaltender Corinne Schroder who moved to the Seattle Torrent, the Sirens (1-0-0-0) are adapting well. Kayle Osborne has seamlessly transitioned into the No. 1 goaltender role, recording a shutout against the Ottawa Charge (0-0-0-1) for the second time in her PWHL career.
“We’re a young team and we showed tonight that we belong in this league,” Osborne commented.
The Sirens displayed an explosive offense against Ottawa, scoring four goals in the final 12:11 of the game. Forward Taylor Girard netted a hat trick, while Maja Nylen Persson added an empty-net goal.
New York’s first overall draft pick, forward Kristýna Kaltounková, made her presence felt early with a physical play that resulted in a boarding penalty. Despite Ottawa briefly capitalizing on a power play opportunity, they were penalized for having too many players on the ice.
The game saw heightened tensions, leading to New York captain Micah Zandee-Hart being ejected for a cross-check. However, the physicality was embraced by players like Gabbie Hughes, who acknowledged the competitive nature of the league.
Gwyneth Philips, last season’s playoff MVP for Ottawa, put up a strong performance in goal, keeping the Charge in the game until late in the third period. The Sirens eventually found success against her, breaking the silence with goals from Maddi Wheeler and Taylor Girard.
Osborne, who has a perfect record in Ottawa, expressed gratitude for the support from friends and family in attendance.
As for the Charge, their scoreless start adds to their ongoing struggle with goal-scoring. Coach Carla MacLeod remains optimistic despite the loss, looking ahead to upcoming matchups against the Vancouver Goldeneyes and the reigning Walter Cup champions, the Minnesota Frost.
The Sirens will hit the road to face the Montreal Victoire before returning home to host the Goldeneyes in their next games.
