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

Sacramento County slaughterhouse ‘kill floor’ moves forward despite neighbor backlash

Sacramento County Kill Floor Plan Advances Despite Backlash

A Sacramento County community is pushing back against a proposed slaughterhouse —…
Trump pardons PGA golf caddy Eric Larson's drug conviction

Trump Pardons PGA Caddie Eric Larson Over Drug Conviction

PGA caddie Eric Larson is finally stepping out of the rough. Larson…
Lawsuit says Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google made illegal agreement on AI development slowdown

Lawsuit Alleges Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google Made Illegal AI Development Slowdown Pact

Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google are accused in a new lawsuit of…
The Kingsland Police Department in Kingsland, Ga.

Former Kingsland Police Sergeant Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Truck From Dealership

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the former sergeant allegedly took a…
EXCLUSIVE: Russian document reveals sweeping Iran plan spanning nuclear, finance and aviation

Russian File Reveals Iran Plan: Nuclear, Finance, Aviation

A nonpublic 2024-2026 roadmap details Moscow and Tehran’s plans to expand financial,…
Captain America, R2-D2 fly above Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on opening night in dazzling drone light show: Photos

Captain America, R2-D2 Soar Over Lucas Museum in Drone Show

The opening-night gala for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lit up…
Gabby Petito's mother says social media 'ripple effect' can help find missing people

Gabby Petito’s Mom: Social Media Can Help Find Missing People

BLUE POINT, N.Y. — Five years after Gabby Petito’s remains were discovered…
'Devoted' father and grandfather-to-be swimming at popular beach killed in suspected shark attack

Devoted Dad, Grandfather-to-Be Dies in Suspected Shark Attack

A 63-year-old “devoted” father and soon-to-be grandfather was reportedly killed by a…
'Something Bad is Going to Happen': Ex-Nurse Blows the Whistle on Tennessee Hospital for Drug Mix-Up

Ex-Nurse Warns of Tennessee Hospital Drug Mix-Up: ‘Something Bad Is Going to Happen’

A medication error at a Nashville hospital that left four patients critically…
Gavin Newsom spotted hobnobbing with A-list celebs at Malibu hot spot

Gavin Newsom Seen Mingling With A-List Celebs at Malibu Spot

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was photographed mingling with several of Hollywood’s biggest…
San Francisco tech exec mocked for cringeworthy list of dating 'non-negotiables'

San Francisco Tech Exec’s Dating ‘Non-Negotiables’ Draw Mockery

A Silicon Valley executive is facing intense backlash after publishing a detailed…
9/11 families target Saudi Arabia nuclear deal

9/11 Families Fight Saudi Nuclear Deal, Demand Accountability

Families who lost loved ones in the Sept. 11 attacks are preparing…