Sirens select Czech star Kaltounkova first overall in PWHL draft

By Canadian Press on June 24, 2025.

OTTAWA — The New York Sirens selected Kristyna Kaltounkova of Vlasim, Czechia, with the first pick in Tuesday’s Professional Women’s Hockey League draft, held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

The 23-year-old forward made her women’s worlds debut for the host nation and was named a 2025 tournament all-star.

She became the first Czech to be named a Patty Kazmaier Award finalist, recording 48 points in 37 games for the Colgate University Raiders, and finished her NCAA tenure as the program’s all-time leading goal scorer with 111, and second in career points with 233.

The Sirens finished last and missed the playoffs this past season with 37 points — eight wins, four overtime wins, five overtime losses and 13 losses.

Forty-eight players will be selected by the league’s eight teams over six rounds.

The remaining order of selection in the first round is the Boston Fleet, Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Minnesota Frost, and expansion teams PWHL Vancouver and PWHL Seattle.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2025.

The Canadian Press