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
U.S. Southern Command strike

US Military Kills Three Suspected Narco-Terrorists in Latest Eastern Pacific Vessel Strike

The U.S. military said it carried out a deadly strike Thursday against…
Elon Musk demands prison for politicians who 'turned a blind eye' to grooming gangs as new report released

Elon Musk Calls for Jail Time for Politicians Who Ignored Grooming Gangs, Explosive New Report Reveals

Elon Musk thrust Britain’s grooming gangs scandal back into the international spotlight…
Colombian military neutralizes five terrorists accused in bus bombing that killed 20, injured 45 civilians

Colombian Military Kills Five Suspects Linked to Bus Bombing That Left 20 Dead and 45 Injured

Colombian military forces said Wednesday they had neutralized five alleged members of…
Lansing news: Former employee Devon Johnson charged in deadly shooting of Andrew Coleman at Nippon Paint Automotive Americas

Lansing: Former Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Employee Devon Johnson Charged in Fatal Shooting of Andrew Coleman

LANSING, Ill. (WLS) — A former employee has been charged with murder…
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…
US and Iran sign initial deal to end war, ease sanctions and open strait as nuclear talks continue

US-Iran Initial Deal Signals Path to Ending Conflict, Easing Sanctions and Reopening Strait

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an accord with Iran…
Ivy League student investigated after alleged antisemitic internship rejection: 'Not working for a Jew'

Fox News Antisemitism Exposed: Ivy League Student Under Fire After Refusing to ‘Work for a Jew’

Cornell University is investigating a student after an alleged antisemitic response to…
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…
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,…
Giants Broadcaster Criticizes Players Wearing Bible Verses for Pride Night

Giants Broadcaster Slams Players’ Bible Verse Display on Pride Night, Sparking Controversy

San Francisco Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow has spoken out against the players…
Streator, Illinois City Council approves emergency declaration as tornado recovery continues

Streator City Council Approves Emergency Declaration as Tornado Recovery Efforts Continue

Streator city leaders have unanimously approved an emergency declaration as the community…
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…