New York Sirens Make Surprising Choices Ahead of Expansion Draft
The New York Sirens caught their fans off guard on Tuesday with some unexpected player selections.
The Premier Hockey Women’s League (PWHL) has revealed the protected players from each of the first six teams as they prepare for the new franchises in Seattle and Vancouver set to join the league for the 2025-26 season.
The Sirens selected Sarah Filier, defenseman Ella Shelton, and defenseman Mika Zandy Hart.
Filier, who hails from Massachusetts, ended the last season ranked 13th in the league with a total of 23 points. Among her teammates, she was the third-highest scorer for the Sirens with 11 goals, trailing behind Jesse Eldridge (9) and Rookie Filier (13).
Meanwhile, Alex Carpenter, 31, has been a key player for the Sirens over the past two seasons. Her shooting percentage increased significantly to 18.6, which is more than double her rate from the previous year.
In 2024, Carpenter was also selected for the IIHF Women’s World Championship All-Star Team, recognized as the best forward after leading the tournament with six goals and ten points.
Add to this, she’s won silver medals with Team USA during the 2014 and 2022 Winter Olympics.
Interestingly, the Sirens can still make some movements regarding Carpenter’s status.
If an inaugural team loses two players during either the exclusive signature window or the expansion draft, they are allowed to protect an additional player.
It’s important to note that the fourth protected player must be under contract for the 2025-26 season. Alternatively, teams can hold onto performance rights throughout that season.
Carpenter is finishing up her second year of a three-year contract.
Other players eligible for protection by the Sirens include Eldridge (F), Lauren Bernard (D), Jaime Bloebonis (D), Emmy Fecto (F), El Harti (F), Pettin Revis (F), Majanirun Person (D), Kale Osborn (G), Avivy Rose Schroeder (G), Allyson Simpson (D), and Noora Tulus (F).
The exclusive signature window is scheduled to begin on June 4 and will continue until June 8. Subsequently, the expanded draft is set for June 9.
