The New York Sirens are embarking on a fresh start in their third PWHL season, standing as the sole team in the league yet to play a playoff game. Their season opener saw them triumph over the Ottawa Charge with a convincing 4-0 victory.
Despite facing the departure of four of their top five scorers from the previous season, and losing their longstanding starting goaltender Corinne Schroder to the Seattle Torrent, the Sirens (1-0-0-0) showcased a strong performance led by their new No. 1 goalie, Kayle Osborne. Osborne, who secured her second career shutout against the Ottawa Charge (0-0-0-1), expressed confidence in their young team’s ability to compete in the league.
The match witnessed a late offensive outburst from the New York side, with forward Taylor Girard netting a hat trick and Maja Nylen Persson adding an empty-net goal, all within the final 12 minutes of play.
Debuting first overall draft pick Kristýna Kaltounková displayed early physicality, resulting in a boarding penalty. Ottawa seemed to capitalize on the ensuing power play, but a too-many-players penalty nullified their goal, frustrating the home crowd.
As tensions escalated, New York’s captain Micah Zandee-Hart was ejected for a cross-check on Ottawa’s Gabbie Hughes. Despite the physicality, Hughes embraced the intensity of the game.
Gwyneth Philips, last season’s playoff MVP, stood strong in goal for Ottawa, thwarting the Sirens’ attempts until the third period when the floodgates opened, leading to New York’s decisive victory.
Osborne, unbeaten in her visits to Ottawa, highlighted the significance of playing in front of friends and family in her hometown.
For the Ottawa Charge, the goal drought in their season opener mirrors their historical struggles in scoring. Head coach Carla MacLeod acknowledged the need for offensive improvement following the loss.
The Charge’s upcoming homestand includes matches against the Vancouver Goldeneyes and the defending champions, the Minnesota Frost. Meanwhile, the Sirens will hit the road to face the Montreal Victoire before returning home to battle the Goldeneyes.
Overall, the Sirens’ strong start sets the stage for an exciting season ahead in the PWHL.