Sarah Fillier, the center for the New York Sirens in the PWHL, is determined to achieve her goal of becoming the best women’s hockey player globally. Despite her impressive performance that tied her with Hilary Knight for the league’s top spot with 29 points, Fillier spent the offseason reflecting on missed opportunities that led to New York’s consecutive last-place finishes.
Acknowledging critical moments where scoring chances were not capitalized on, Fillier emphasized the importance of seizing such opportunities to reach the pinnacle of the sport. With a competitive spirit fueled by her aversion to losing, the former Princeton standout and 2022 Team Canada Olympic gold medalist is set to lead the Sirens into the league’s third season opener in Ottawa.
New York reinforced its roster with top-tier talent through strategic draft selections. General manager Pascal Daoust secured Colgate forward Kristyna Kaltounkova with the first overall pick and acquired NCAA women’s hockey MVP Casey O’Brien with the third pick in a trade with Toronto. The addition of second-round pick Anne Cherkowski further solidifies the Sirens’ lineup, boasting one of the league’s most promising young forward groups.
Despite losing key veteran players through trades and expansion, including Alex Carpenter and Jessie Eldridge to Seattle, and Ella Shelton to Toronto, the Sirens have assembled a dynamic roster around Fillier. Alongside Kaltounkova, O’Brien, O’Neill, and Cherkowski, coach Greg Fargo has a wealth of options to shape his top two lines for the upcoming season.
The infusion of new talent injects optimism into the Sirens’ camp, revitalizing their performance on the ice and attracting fan interest. Familiar with Kaltounkova from his time coaching at Colgate, Fargo recognizes her potential to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, O’Brien’s return to her hometown provides a boost, given her impressive playmaking abilities showcased at Wisconsin.
In defense, the Sirens retain experienced players such as captain Micah Zandee-Hart, Maja Nylen Persson, and Jaime Bourbonnais, complemented by the addition of Jincy Roese in free agency. The goaltending department sees a youthful outlook with the departure of Corinne Schroeder to Seattle, paving the way for Kayle Osborne, supported by rookie picks Callie Shanahan and Kacey Doyle.
Fillier, the top pick in the 2024 PWHL draft, is eager to make a lasting impact in New York after committing to a two-year contract. Embracing the vision set forth by Coach Fargo, Fillier envisions a promising future for the Sirens, backed by the potential of their talented college recruits.
