Kristýna Kaltounková Shines in First Half of PWHL Season

The first half of the 2025 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season has showcased the exceptional talent of rookie Kristýna Kaltounková. Selected first overall in the draft, the Czech forward is living up to the high expectations set by her franchise, the Sirens. Under the guidance of coach Greg Fargo, who previously coached Kaltounková at Colgate, she has established herself as a formidable presence on the ice.

Kaltounková’s physical play and speed have made her a standout. Her impressive 5-foot-9 frame allows her to endure contact and dominate opponents. After signing a three-year contract with the Sirens, general manager Pascal Daoust described her as “a true weapon.” As the season nears the Olympic break, Kaltounková leads the league with 11 goals, following a career-best four-game point streak. This includes a notable performance where she netted two goals in a 4-3 shootout loss to the first-place Boston Fleet.

With the PWHL season set to resume on February 26, 2025, Kaltounková is on track to challenge the league’s records for first-year players, with the current rookie scoring record at 13 goals, held by teammate Sarah Fillier. The overall single-season record is 20 goals, established by Natalie Spooner in 2024.

Kaltounková is also preparing to make her Olympic debut for Czechia, joining five other Sirens players who will compete in the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. Fillier will represent Team Canada in her second Olympics, while forwards Kristin O’Neill and Kayle Osborne will make their Olympic debuts, alongside Maja Nylen Persson of Sweden and Nicole Vallario of Switzerland.

As the Sirens take a break, a review of their season thus far reveals several highlights and standout performances.

Midseason Highlights and Superlatives

Kaltounková has undoubtedly been the most valuable player for the Sirens, earning both the MVP and top rookie honors for the first half of the season. While she has set the pace, Casey O’Brien, the third overall pick in the 2025 draft, has also impressed with 11 points (four goals and seven assists), earning her an honorable mention for the rookie award.

Veteran presence is crucial for any team, and Micah Zandee-Hart has been a cornerstone for New York’s defense. After considering a move to the expansion Vancouver team, Zandee-Hart chose to stay with the Sirens, providing stability and leadership. Her experience makes her one of the most respected figures within the team.

Looking at individual player development, Taylor Girard has emerged as the most improved player. With five goals this season, including a natural hat trick in the season opener, she is on pace for her best performance to date. This progress has been significant, especially considering her brief suspension earlier in the month for leaving the bench during a brawl.

Memorable Wins and Losses

The Sirens’ memorable moments include a notable victory on January 18, 2025, where they defeated the Montréal Victoire 2-1 in Washington. Although it was not the most dominant win of the season, it was significant due to the neutral site and a record crowd in attendance against a top-tier team. Kaltounková and Anne Cherkowski scored the winning goals, while Kayle Osborne showcased her skills by stopping 31 of 32 shots.

In contrast, the Sirens have struggled against the league leaders, with losses to the Boston Fleet and Minnesota Frost. One of their toughest defeats occurred on December 6, 2024, when they suffered a 4-0 shutout against the Vancouver Goldeneyes, marked by a lackluster first period that saw them concede three goals.

As the season progresses and the Olympic break approaches, the Sirens have much to anticipate. Kaltounková’s performance continues to elevate her status, while the entire team prepares to regroup and aim for greater achievements upon their return to the ice in late February.