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.

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