New York Sirens Select Colgate’s Kristyna Kaltounkova as First Pick in PWHL Draft

The New York Sirens began their journey to rebuild their expansion-depleted roster on Tuesday night, June 24, 2025, by making a historic selection in the PWHL draft. Who better to lead this charge than Colgate’s outstanding forward, Kristyna Kaltounkova, chosen as the No. 1 pick? This significant move not only marks Kaltounkova as the first European-born player to achieve this feat but also reunites her with a familiar face, Sirens coach Greg Fargo, who previously coached her at Colgate. The draft took place on Tuesday night, a momentous occasion for the PWHL, especially for the Sirens, who are looking to bounce back after finishing last in the standings for the second consecutive year. The why behind this pick is clear: to fill major holes in their lineup, particularly at forward, following the loss of leading scorers Alex Carpenter and Jessie Eldridge, as well as starting goalie Corinne Schroeder to Seattle. The how is equally straightforward; with Kaltounkova’s impressive skills, she is expected to make an immediate impact, joining a lineup deep in defense and featuring last year’s No. 1 pick, Sarah Fillier, who had a remarkable season, finishing tied for the PWHL lead with 29 points.

The PWHL Draft Overview

The PWHL draft is a pivotal event for teams looking to bolster their rosters with fresh talent. This year’s draft was especially critical for the New York Sirens, given their recent losses. Following the Sirens’ first pick, the draft order saw the Boston Fleet, who lost star player Hilary Knight to Seattle, selecting second. The Toronto Sceptres and Montreal Victoire followed, with the Ottawa Charge scheduled to pick fifth. The two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost had the sixth pick, while Vancouver, after winning a random draw, secured the seventh position, and Seattle rounded out the top eight, with the two expansion teams set to alternate their picks in successive rounds.

Key Highlights of Kristyna Kaltounkova’s Selection

Some key highlights of Kaltounkova’s impressive career include:
– Being a Patty Kazmaier Award finalist, recognizing her as one of the top players in college hockey.
– Achieving a 48-point season with 26 goals and 22 assists, a testament to her scoring prowess.
– Leaving Colgate as the school’s career-leading scorer with 111 goals and second in total points with 223, underscoring her consistency and skill.
– The historic moment of becoming the first European-born player to be selected No. 1 in the PWHL draft, paving the way for future generations of European players.

Given her achievements, Kaltounkova’s selection by the New York Sirens is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their forward line. As Coach Greg Fargo noted, “Kristyna brings a level of skill and competitiveness that will immediately impact our team. Her ability to score and create opportunities for her teammates will be a significant asset to our lineup.” This sentiment is echoed by Kaltounkova herself, who expressed her excitement to join the Sirens and contribute to the team’s success, stating, “I’m thrilled to be selected by the New York Sirens and to have the opportunity to play under Coach Fargo again. I’m looking forward to being part of a talented team and helping to bring success to the franchise.”

Implications for the PWHL and the New York Sirens

The selection of Kristyna Kaltounkova has significant implications for both the PWHL and the New York Sirens. For the PWHL, it marks a milestone in the league’s growth, attracting and recognizing talent from a broader geographical pool. For the Sirens, it’s a crucial step in their rebuilding process, aiming to competitiveness and hopefully challenging for the championship in the coming seasons. The Sirens, with their deep defense and the addition of Kaltounkova to their forward line, are poised to make a significant impact in the league.

Looking Ahead to the Next Season

As the PWHL prepares for its next season, the draft has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive year. With new talent like Kristyna Kaltounkova joining the league, and the movement of established players like Hilary Knight to new teams, fans are eagerly anticipating the matchups and storylines that will unfold. The New York Sirens, with their strategic selection, are looking to turn their fortunes around, and the inclusion of Kaltounkova is a significant step in that direction.

In conclusion, the New York Sirens’ selection of Colgate’s Kristyna Kaltounkova as the No. 1 pick in the PWHL draft marks a significant moment for the league and the team. As Kaltounkova embarks on her professional journey with the Sirens, her talent, combined with the team’s depth in defense and the presence of skilled players like Sarah Fillier, is expected to make a considerable impact. The move not only reflects the Sirens’ commitment to rebuilding but also highlights the growing diversity and talent pool of the PWHL.

Keywords: New York Sirens, PWHL Draft, Kristyna Kaltounkova, Colgate, Greg Fargo, European-born player, Patty Kazmaier Award, college hockey, Sarah Fillier, Boston Fleet, Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Minnesota Frost, Vancouver, Seattle, women’s hockey, professional hockey.

Hashtags: #PWHL #NewYorkSirens #KristynaKaltounkova #Colgate #WomensHockey #ProfessionalHockey #HockeyDraft #CollegeHockey #PattyKazmaierAward #EuropeanBornPlayer #GregFargo #SarahFillier #BostonFleet #TorontoSceptres #MontrealVictoire #OttawaCharge #MinnesotaFrost #Vancouver #Seattle



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