Kristina Kartuunkova Shines as Sirens’ Top Draft Pick
The Sirens made a savvy choice when they picked Kristina Kartuunkova first overall in the 2025 PWHL Draft.
Coach Greg Fargo, who previously coached Kartuunkova for four seasons at Colgate, has an exceptional understanding of her capabilities as he embarks on his first season with the Sirens.
She plays at a quick pace and isn’t shy about throwing her weight around.
Her robust 5-foot-9 frame helps her navigate through contact effectively, making her a strong presence on the ice. General Manager Pascal Doust, who secured a three-year deal with Kartuunkova prior to the season, labeled her “a real weapon.”
The Sirens see Kartuunkova as a key figure for the team’s future, alongside 2024’s top pick Sarah Fillier. Halfway through her debut season, it seems the team is quite pleased with their decision to bring in the Czech forward.
Kartuunkova entered the Olympic break with a personal-best four-game point streak. Her performance on Wednesday, where she scored twice in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Boston Fleet, made her the league’s leading scorer with 11 points.
There’s still plenty of season left for her to potentially break the rookie scoring record of 13 points, held by Filier from last season. She might even reach the all-time record for goals in a season, which could hit 20, set by Natalie Spooner in 2024.
But those ambitions will have to wait—you know, until the PWHL resumes on February 26th.
In the meantime, Kartuunkova is in a prime position to possibly win Rookie of the Year, joining five other Sirens at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games to represent their countries. This will mark her Olympic debut with the Czech Republic.
Fillier is set to participate in her second Olympics with Team Canada, while Christine O’Neill and Cale Osborne will represent their country for the first time. There are also contributions from Maja Nylen Persson (Sweden) and Nicole Valario (Switzerland).
As the team prepares to regroup next month, here’s a quick roundup of their notable midseason highlights.
MVP and Rookie of the Year
Kartuunkova has clinched both awards for the first half of the season. However, the 2025 No. 3 overall pick, Casey O’Brien, should be recognized as a strong contender, currently ranking second on the team with 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists).
Key Veteran Presence
Micah Zandi Hart opted to stay with the Sirens instead of heading to expansion Vancouver this offseason, solidifying her position as a cornerstone of New York’s defense. She’s one of the most respected voices in the locker room and a reliable blue liner.
Most Improved Player
Third-year player Taylor Girard is on track for her best season yet, having already scored five goals, including a natural hat trick in the season opener. Her performance had been consistent since her arrival from Boston last season—though she faced a three-game suspension earlier this month for an on-ice incident.
Highlight Win
The Sirens celebrated a notable victory on January 18, edging out Montreal Victoire 2-1 in Washington. While it may not have been their most dominant win (that would likely be their 5-1 victory over Vancouver), it was significant to beat a top-tier team on neutral ground before a record crowd. Kartuunkova and Ann Cherkowski contributed goals, with Osborne making 31 saves.
Roughest Loss
To date, the Sirens have struggled against league leaders Boston and Minnesota Frost. The most challenging defeat came on December 6 against the Vancouver Goldeneyes, where they fell 4-0 after a shaky opening period that saw them concede three goals.
