Sirens pick Kristyna Kaltounkova, Casey O’Brien in PWHL draft

The Sirens revamped their offensive lineup during the first round of the PWHL draft on Tuesday night by selecting Kristyna Kaltounkova from Colgate with the top pick and trading up to secure Wisconsin player Casey O’Brien with the third pick.

After losing star forwards Alex Carpenter and Jessie Eldridge, who were unprotected during the exclusive signing period and the expansion draft, the Sirens aimed to boost their attack by bringing in two promising young talents. Among these new additions is a player with the impressive achievement of three national championships.

Kaltounkova, hailing from Czechia, ranked among the top ten goal scorers in the country last season while at Colgate and set a program record by scoring 111 goals during her tenure there.


Kristyna Kaltounkova, center, from Vlasim, Czechia, poses for a photo after the New York Sirens selected the forward during the first round of the PWHL draft in Ottawa, Ontario, Tuesday June 24, 2025.
Kristyna Kaltounkova (center) from Vlasim, Czechia, poses for a photo after the New York Sirens selected the forward during the first round of the PWHL draft in Ottawa, Ontario on June 24, 2025. AP

O’Brien led the country with 88 points and 62 assists, while winning the award as the top women’s college hockey player in the United States. 

“It doesn’t matter what role I play, I’m just happy to jump in and help as much as I can. Make an impact immediately,” Kaltounkova said moments after being drafted. 

The Sirens traded defender Ella Shelton for the Nos. 3 and 27 picks in Tuesday’s draft. 

“I’m super honored that New York traded up for me. It’s pretty special and this just caps off an amazing year,” O’Brien said.

The Sirens made nine selections in total during Tuesday’s draft.


United States' Britta Curl, left, collides with Kristyna Kaltounkova of Czech Republic during the semi final match between Czech Republic and United States at the Women's Ice Hockey Championships in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Saturday, April 19, 2025.
USA’s Britta Curl (bottom) collides with Kristyna Kaltounkova during the United States’ win over the Czech Republic in their semifinal match at the Women’s Ice Hockey Championships on April 19, 2025. AP

They took forward Anne Cherkowski from Clarkson University in the second round, Ohio State forward Makenna Webster in the third, defender Dayle Ross from St. Cloud State University with the 25th overall pick, Buckeye forward Maddi Wheeler with the 27th overall pick and Boston University goaltender Callie Shanahan with the 28th overall pick, which the Sirens had acquired in a trade with Montreal.

The Sirens also took Anna Bargman from Yale in the fifth round and Quinnipiac goaltender Kaley Doyle in the sixth round.

You May Also Like
From bear hugs to handshakes: How India lost its edge with Trump while Pakistan quietly gained ground

India’s Trump Reset Falters as Pakistan Quietly Gains Ground in US Ties

President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in person…
FBI top 10 fugitive Arnoldo Jimenez, arrested in fatal 2012 stabbing of newlywed Estrella Carrera in Burbank, brought to Chicago

FBI Most Wanted Arnoldo Jimenez Captured: Chicago Fugitive Arrested in 2012 Newlywed Murder Case

BURBANK, Ill. — A man sought by the FBI for more than…
Evanston's Juneteenth parade to honor legacy of Opal Lee with granddaughter, Dione Sims, as grand marshal

Evanston’s Juneteenth Parade to Honor Opal Lee’s Legacy, with Granddaughter Dione Sims Named Grand Marshal

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — Evanston’s yearly Juneteenth parade is set to start…
Former child actor Daveigh Chase, voice of Lilo from 'Lilo & Stitch' and "The Ring' villain, dies at 35

Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and Star of ‘The Ring,’ Dies at 35

LOS ANGELES — Daveigh Chase, the former child actor best known as…
Palisades Fire suspect allegedly driven by 'societal revenge,' behavioral analyst testifies in court

Behavioral Analyst Says Palisades Fire Suspect Was Motivated by ‘Societal Revenge,’ Court Hears

Palisades arson trial begins Testimony in the federal arson trial of Jonathan…
Hollywood Is Having An Inflection Moment As Established Properties Are Getting Hammered by the Upstarts

Hollywood Inflection Point: New Upstarts Overtake Established Franchises at the Box Office

Through this point in 2026, the domestic box office has posted an…
11 suspected illegal immigrants among 15 arrested in $1.4M benefits fraud crackdown in Massachusetts, DOJ says

Massachusetts Benefits Fraud Bust: 15 Arrested, Including 11 Suspected Illegal Immigrants, in $1.4M DOJ Crackdown

Federal authorities brought a nationwide welfare fraud crackdown to Massachusetts this week,…
Wife speaks out after husband allegedly strangles disabled daughter to death in New Jersey

New Jersey Wife Breaks Silence After Husband Allegedly Strangles Disabled Daughter to Death

FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. — The family of Devin Hall is now preparing…
Country Club Hills shooting: 3 charged after 2 suspects shot during ATF gun trafficking operation near 189th and Loretto Lane

ATF Shooting and Gun Trafficking Case in Country Club Hills: Federal Charges Dropped for 3 Suspects

COUNTRY CLUB HILLS, Ill. (WLS) — Federal prosecutors have dropped charges against…
Finland's parliament votes to lift decades-old ban on nuclear weapons in historic NATO defense shift

Finland Lifts Decades-Old Nuclear Weapons Ban in Historic NATO Defense Policy Shift

Finland pushes to join NATO quickly Finnish Ambassador to the U.S. Mikko…
Luigi Mangione bails on psychiatric defense in UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination case

Luigi Mangione Drops Psychiatric Defense in UnitedHealthcare CEO Assassination Case: What It Means for the Trial

Mangione to use ‘psychiatric defense’ in CEO murder trial, judge says Luigi…
Man fired by firm after viral video shows him scolding dad for taking young daughters into women's restroom

Fired After Viral Restroom Confrontation: Man Loses Job Over Dad Taking Daughters Into Women’s Bathroom

Oklahoma dad reacts to viral debate after taking daughters into women’s restroom…