Draft Highlights
In a significant move for their franchise, the New York Sirens have made Czech forward Kristýna Kaltounková the first overall pick in the PWHL Draft held on Tuesday. The 23-year-old has garnered attention as one of the most imposing players in the draft, noted for her exceptional shot power.
Collegiate Achievements
During her tenure at Colgate University, Kaltounková achieved remarkable accomplishments, finishing in the top ten nationally in goals this past season and establishing a new program record with 111 career goals and 19 game-winners. Notably, she concluded her collegiate career just six points shy of Colgate’s overall scoring record, which was set by Danielle Serdachny, the runner-up pick in last year’s draft.
Ready for Professional Play
Kaltounková is seen as a player who is ready to step into the professional arena, backed by her experience competing at the senior international level. In her debut at the women’s world championship for the Czech Republic in April, she tied for the team’s scoring lead, demonstrating her skill on an international stage. Her strong physical presence, standing at 5 feet 9 inches, and her robust skating abilities lend themselves well to a competitive PWHL environment.
Offensive Threat
She possesses a strong and accurate shooting ability that makes her a formidable offensive threat, both in set plays and during transitions. Kaltounková excels in puck battles, managing to maintain control while absorbing contact, and she effectively uses her size to create scoring opportunities close to the net, distracting goalies along the way.
Potential Role with the Sirens
In her new role with the Sirens, Kaltounková has the potential to either take center stage on her line or complement Canadian superstar Sarah Fillier, who has previously showcased her skills on the wing alongside Alex Carpenter. With Carpenter no longer part of the team after being left unprotected in the expansion draft and subsequently signing with Seattle, the Sirens are keen on bolstering their offensive setup.
Strategic Decision
While other candidates like defender Haley Winn and forward Casey O’Brien were in the mix for the No. 1 pick, the decision to draft Kaltounková was strategic. Given that New York already has seven defenders on their roster, selecting a forward seemed the logical choice. Kaltounková’s past experiences under New York coach Greg Fargo at Colgate also likely influenced the selection.
Future Prospects
This marks the second consecutive year that the Sirens have secured the first overall pick, having chosen Fillier in 2024. After finishing last in the PWHL standings for two straight seasons, the franchise hopes to leverage the talents of Kaltounková and Fillier to improve their ranking in the forthcoming 2025-26 season. However, there is concern surrounding Fillier’s contract status, as she signed a one-year deal and will be a restricted free agent, making it a top priority for the team this offseason.
