The puck has officially dropped on the 2025-26 PWHL season, and the New York Sirens are already making noise. Despite the late-November start, the Sirens have wasted no time getting into rhythm, skating out to a 2-0-0-1 record through their first three games.
With a mix of young talent and returning firepower, New York is showing signs of being a serious contender this season. Let’s break down the standout performers from November - the players who set the tone early and gave the Sirens a spark to open the campaign.
Honorable Mention: Kristýna Kaltounková - A Historic Start
Before we dive into the top three stars of the month, it’s worth tipping the cap to Kristýna Kaltounková. The Czech forward made history as the first European player ever selected first overall in the PWHL Draft, and she’s already giving Sirens fans a glimpse of why she went No. 1.
In New York’s home opener on Nov. 29, Kaltounková found the back of the net for the first time in her PWHL career.
It wasn’t flashy - just smart, opportunistic hockey. After a shot from Micah Zandee-Hart was blocked in front, Kaltounková pounced on the loose puck and buried it past Kristen Campbell for the Sirens’ fifth goal of the night.
It was a moment that felt like the beginning of something big.
There’s always pressure when you’re the top pick, especially following in the footsteps of someone like Sarah Fillier, who made an immediate impact last season. But here’s the thing: Kaltounková isn’t trying to be Fillier - she’s carving out her own path. And early signs suggest it’s going to be a good one.
Third Star: Maddi Wheeler - Depth That Delivers
When the Sirens grabbed Maddi Wheeler in the fourth round of the 2025 Draft, there wasn’t a ton of buzz. That’s changed quickly.
Wheeler made her PWHL debut in the season opener and wasted no time making her presence felt. Slotted on the third line with Elle Hartje and Taylor Girard, Wheeler dished out three assists and fired off four shots in her first game. For a player starting in the bottom six, that’s the kind of production that turns heads - and earns trust.
What stood out wasn’t just the numbers, but how Wheeler played. She was active, creative, and didn’t shy away from driving play.
That third line ended up being the most effective forward group in Game 1, and Wheeler was a big reason why. She’s proving that depth scoring can be a game-changer - and she’s not just filling a spot, she’s making it her own.
Second Star: Kayle Osborne - A Calm Presence in the Crease
There’s no easing into a starting goalie role in the PWHL - especially when you’re replacing a standout like Corinne Schroeder. But Kayle Osborne has stepped in and looked the part from the jump.
With Schroeder heading to Seattle in the expansion draft and Abbey Levy signing with Boston, the crease in New York officially belongs to Osborne now. And she’s already showing she can handle the pressure.
Osborne opened the season with a statement performance: a 28-save shutout against an Ottawa Charge team that made a run to the Walter Cup Finals last season. In their own barn.
In their home opener. That’s how you announce your arrival.
Even in a 3-0 loss to Montreal on Nov. 25, Osborne held her ground, stopping 26 shots.
And in the Sirens’ home opener against Vancouver, she turned aside 20 of 21 shots to help secure the win. Through three starts, she’s been steady, composed, and exactly what the Sirens needed between the pipes.
There’s a long season ahead, but if November is any indication, Osborne is ready to be the backbone of this team.
First Star: Taylor Girard - Hat Trick Hero
No one had a hotter start to the season than Taylor Girard. The veteran forward wasted no time making an impact, scoring the Sirens’ first goal of the season on Nov. 22 in Ottawa.
But she didn’t stop there - she added two more in the third period to complete the first PWHL hat trick of the season. And not just any hat trick - three goals in one period.
That’s elite.
Girard’s offensive explosion set the tone for the Sirens and gave them a jolt of momentum right out of the gate. It was also a personal milestone: her first career PWHL hat trick, and a clear sign that she’s ready to take on a bigger role in her first full season with New York.
After being traded from Boston midway through last season and playing 18 games with the Sirens, Girard is now fully settled in. And it shows.
She’s skating with confidence, finishing plays, and leading by example. If she keeps this up, she could be one of the league’s breakout stars this season.
Looking Ahead
With November in the books, the Sirens are off to a promising start - and they’re doing it with contributions from across the lineup. From rookies like Wheeler and Kaltounková to veterans like Girard and Osborne stepping into new roles, this team is showing early signs of depth, balance, and resilience.
Next up: a trip to Seattle. The Sirens will look to carry their momentum into December, and if their November stars keep shining, New York could be in for a special season.