Meet The Newcomers: New York Sirens

The New York Sirens got a definitive boost on and off the ice this year. They have plenty of newcomers heading into the 2024-2025 PWHL season, which could result in the Sirens becoming the PWHL’s most improved team. On paper, they’ve got a lot of weapons. How it all comes together will be in the hands of another group of newcomers, New York’s coaching staff.

Here’s a look at who and what’s new for the New York Sirens this season.

Who is not returning?

Before we get into who is joining the New York Sirens, let’s look at who isn’t coming back. Leading this group is forward Emma Woods who signed as a free agent with Toronto in the offseason. The team also saw defender Johanna Fallman sign in Sweden for this season, and they replaced third goalie Lindsey Post despite her strong finish to last season. There will be a feverish battle in camp for roster spots from other veteran players.

Brand New Coaching Staff

Few doubted Howie Draper’s ability to guide New York last season given his resume, but things just didn’t work out. There was turmoil among the players, with veteran forwards dictating their own lines, and in the end, Draper lost the team, and then his job. When looking for a replacement, GM Pascal Daoust went out and got one of the biggest names in the game, Greg Fargo, long time cornerstone of Colgate. They then added Josh Sciba, head coach of Union and an assistant with USA’s national team, and rounded out their group bringing in Lauren Williams. Hopes are high for this group.

Who is new in New York?

The biggest name of the bunch is first overall pick Sarah Fillier. Despite the league’s best attempts, the top pick remains unsigned, and no deal is nearing. Fillier is represented by the same agency as another draft pick fans expected to be signed by now, Ally Simpson. It appears there hasn’t been much progress in talks in quite some time as Fillier’s camp has gone silent. This will get resolved before the season, and Fillier will be back in Jersey, only a short drive from her Princeton digs. New York is thrilled to welcome Fillier, and confident their new star will be setting off goal sirens regularly. Other significant newcomers joining New York’s lineup this year include Noora Tulus and Maja Nylen Persson, two of the top European players in the draft. Each will be an immediate boost to the Sirens’ roster. New York also revamped their crease pecking order signing Kayle Osborne to a three-year deal. She’ll open behind Corinne Schroeder and look to push for games.

Unsigned Draft Picks

The aforementioned Fillier and Simpson are the top two picks New York has yet to get under contract. We’ll see how long this stalemate drags, but more than two months after the draft, the clock is now ticking. Elle Hartje could turn into one of the better steals of the draft, and her off-ice and on-ice star power and charisma will be welcomed as New York looks to put down roots for their fan base this season. New York’s other unsigned picks include Gabby Rosenthal, who took last season off, and the lone U Sports player picked, Emmy Fecteau, who will bring a wealth of positive characteristics to New York as a player and person.

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