The New York Sirens embark on a new journey in their third PWHL season as the lone team in the league yet to experience a playoff game. Their fresh start proved successful as they dominated the Ottawa Charge with a 4-0 victory in their season opener.
Despite the departure of four of their top five scorers from the previous season and the exit of veteran goaltender Corinne Schroder, who joined the Seattle Torrent, the Sirens (1-0-0-0) found a new star in Kayle Osborne. Osborne, now the primary goaltender, delivered a shutout against the Ottawa Charge (0-0-0-1), showcasing her talent.
“We’re a youthful team and demonstrated our competitiveness in the league tonight,” Osborne expressed.
The game saw New York’s offense explode in the final 12:11 minutes, with forward Taylor Girard netting a hat trick and Maja Nylen Persson adding an empty-net goal.
Forward Kristýna Kaltounková, the first overall pick in this year’s draft for New York, displayed her physicality early in her debut, leading to a boarding penalty. Ottawa briefly capitalized on the power play, but a penalty for too many players on the ice nullified their goal.
Tensions escalated as New York’s captain Micah Zandee-Hart received a five-minute major penalty for cross-checking. Despite the physicality, Ottawa’s Gwyneth Philips, the playoff MVP from the previous season, put up a strong defense, thwarting numerous attempts by the Sirens.
The Sirens broke the silence in the third period, with Maddi Wheeler and Taylor Girard finally finding the net after a string of saves by Philips. Girard completed her hat trick, and a late empty-net goal sealed the 4-0 victory for New York.
In her PWHL career, Osborne remains unbeaten in Ottawa, where she receives extra support from friends and family.
The Ottawa Charge faced another scoreless season opener, continuing their struggle with scoring. Despite their offensive challenges, the Charge’s head coach Carla MacLeod remains optimistic about their performance.
The Sirens will hit the road to face the Montreal Victoire before returning home to host the Vancouver Goldeneyes, while the Charge will continue their homestand against the Vancouver Goldeneyes and the Minnesota Frost, the reigning Walter Cup champions.