Madison Packer
Q: What are your expectations and thoughts about playing at one building this season?
A: I think we’re excited. Obviously, we’re in a new building and like you said, we had a good turnout last year in Jersey. In my opinion, Jersey has always been good to women’s hockey so we’re excited to be back in a building consistently, a little more comfortable for everyone. We’re excited to have that familiarity in our schedule and we have a great rink to practice at now. I think we’re just excited.
Q: What has that move been like off the ice? Have people moved to New Jersey? How have you handled the move?
A: Yeah, I mean I think it looks a little different for everyone. I have two kids and a wife so it’s a little different for me. We moved into a two bedroom condo, but yeah, everyone’s moved down here. We have a lot of people living together. Everyone’s in apartments, condos, stuff like that so group’s all local. Getting used to the traffic, but it’s been fun.
Q: When you design your off-ice workouts, do you design them with your kids in mind?
A: I don’t really design them. We have a strength and conditioning coach so basically my offseason training was I needed to get faster. This is my last season probably playing pro hockey so I had to get faster in the offseason and the best way to do that was to work with Ben back in Connecticut, he’s our strength and conditioning coach for the team. Just a lot of running, a lot of speed work. All the videos and stuff is my social media manager wife.
Q: What is your main focus for this season if it is your last?
A: Just have some fun. I learn a lot everyday from these players. It’s hard everyday to wake up and compete at this level. So just have fun. It’s my victory lap. I get to have the best job in the world so I’m looking forward to just being a part of the group. I think we’ve got a new perspective coming in this season so just going to have some fun and be proud of myself and leave everything I got out on the ice.
Q: You said probably, is there a chance you might change your mind?
A: No, I won’t.
Q: What are your first impressions of Head Coach Greg Fargo?A: He’s awesome. He’s direct, he’s a hockey guy. I think he’s what this group needs from a leadership standpoint. He’s been really dialed in from day one, gotten the group together for some video meetings. He’s going through systems and things. I think this group is really going to thrive under his structure and his emphasis on offense and creativity. We’ve had a lot of really great meetings, I think we’ve got a lot of talent in that room so it’s just a fresh slate, a fresh start. I think he’s the right guy for the job.
Q: This is the second year of the league, you’ve got team names this year. What’s your hope for this season?
A: I think just continuing to grow the brand recognition. I mean, obviously last year, I think it was a smart choice by the league to kind of pump the brakes. We went from zero to 100 overnight basically. They took some time with the names. It’s nice now to have more of an identity. I like that they stuck with the same colors. But you’re going to see those adhancements every year. So it’s nice to have that logo, that brand. It’s got a good ring to it, pun intended.
Q: Following your retirement, would you consider going into coaching or another aspect of hockey?A: I appreciate the question, but right now, I’m focused on doing what I can to make the team and have one more good year on the good side of the glass.
*At the time of this publication, Madison Packer has announced her retirement from professional hockey.
Paeytn Levis
Q: What are your thoughts and feelings about the upcoming season?
A: I think we’re really excited. We made some good additions in the offseason and I think we’re ready to go. The offseason kind of seemed really long, it was like six months or something, but I think everyone is back with a good attitude and ready to get after it. I think we’re honestly just really excited for the changes and to get started here.
Q: How different will it feel to play all of your games at one arena this season?
A: Yeah, I think that’s something that we’re really looking forward to. I think last year it was a lot of running around and just switching rinks. To have a home rink this year will be really, really good for us and I think we’re stepping in the right direction. It’s everything we could ask for.
Q: From your point of view, there’s obviously a lot going on around the team. How would you describe the changes?
A: Obviously, coaching changes that we saw. Getting some of our draft picks, we’re super excited about. Having a draft and being able to add to our team is always exciting. Just more players in the league, more players around and the obvious ones are the couple coaching changes that we made.
Q: What are your thoughts on the new head coach? And you’re going to be playing in front of a big fanbase in Newark, in the tristate area, what do you think about that?
A: We obviously had good fans in Jersey last year so I think we’re really looking forward to being back in that area and hoping we can grow it now that we’re there all the time. Fargo’s been awesome so far. We’ve had a couple video sessions with him and stuff and he’s been great. I’m really looking forward to learning a lot of things from him this year.
Q: What do you think needs to be different this season to be in the playoffs?
A: Good question. I think a lot of things honestly, but just the new group and being excited about it is the most important thing. I think that’s a loaded question and I don’t really want to get into a bunch of details, but I think just staying focused and trusting the process throughout the year that we can get there will be really important. And obviously, we have a good staff to set us up in a good position.
Q: Other than moving, what has been the biggest adjustment? Your first year as a pro and now in your second year, what changes have you experienced?
A: Honestly, a lot. Last year, when you come in, everything is very new. Not only just moving, but meeting new people and new everything. So this year it’s nice to come back. We have a lot of similar staff so that was really nice. Like familiar faces are really cool to come back to. Obviously, new location but I think we’re excited about that. I think a lot’s different. You know the physicality level, the speed of the game, you know all that stuff so that’s all taken into consideration when you’re doing your offseason training.
Q: When you add a player like Sarah Fillier to the group, what does a player like her mean to the team?
A: She’s obviously a great player. She was the number one overall pick so that’s always exciting to add to your team. But we’re really excited about all our draft picks and everything that’s coming to this team. Just excited to get the group together and work together as a team.
Q: Did you make any equipment changes in the offseason and what did you focus on in your training?
A: Just physicality wise, trying to become more of a physical player was something I focused on in the offseason and yeah, I did change some of my sticks so I guess we’ll see if it works.
Kayla Vespa
Q: How excited are you just to get back on the ice, the expectations and you’re playing in a new arena full of fans who are going to bring all that energy back to you. What is your outlook on the season this year?
A: I think we’re all super excited just to be back. I mean, it’s hockey season. We had a long offseason so we’re all just really excited to get going. Obviously being at Prudential all year this year is super exciting. Just with the fans that we had last year, it’s just going to grow even more. And then the fans repping the new merchandise and the jerseys that we got, which is awesome. I think obviously, we’re trying to make a push for playoffs and I guess the end goal is to win the Walter Cup.
Q: What is it like as one of the smaller players in the league? You’re going to have a little bit of a different play style compared to someone who is six feet tall so how do you navigate that? What are the things you prioritize in your play?
A: Obviously, I’m aware of that and whatnot. Definitely in the offseason, I always try to be in the gym working hard, trying to gain some size in a physical way and just using that to my ability but also I like to use my speed to my advantage so that's a big part of my game. So speed and working on the physicalness in the offseason to be able to do that out there on the ice.
Q: You mentioned the new merch. What are your impressions? What did you hear beforehand? Was it a surprise when it was unveiled or were you let in a little in the offseason on the changes that were coming?
A: I was very surprised. I don’t think a lot of people knew. It was very exciting to see all the jerseys in the PWHL, they all look phenomenal. I think it’s super important that fans can now identify with it and have a chance with it and even just wear the jersey itself. Our jersey specifically, obviously I love it. The orange is very bold which brings out our team. I think we’re super bold and strong and also just representing the goal siren. Just how loud the siren is and I think it really represents our team identity. Super excited for the fans to rock those jerseys.
Q: What are your expectations coming into this season and what goals do you want to accomplish both individually and as a team?
A: First, as a team, just building a strong foundation with the new staff that we got which is awesome. They have a lot of expertise and knowledge so I’m super excited to learn from them, we all are. I think individually, just contributing every way that I can for our team and their success. I’m just excited to do that, willing to do anything to just help the team and benefit them.
Q: Any specific areas you feel like the team needs to improve on to move up the standings?
A: Good question. Honestly, we’re just trying to be present and every year is new. Just obviously learning from our coaches and getting feedback from that. Taking it day by day and just coming out strong from the start.
Elle Hartje
Q: Favorite place in Manhattan?
A: A lot of my friends live in Chelsea, like west side area. I haven’t explored all of New York, but I’ve been kind of going there the most.
Q: What is your thought process of making the transition to the PWHL and what are you looking forward to the most about training camp, the season, making the team and meeting all the players?
A: I’m excited for the newness of it. I had a great five years at Yale, but you know, you get used to it and it’s comfortable and it’s kind of fun to come here and get to experience something new. You only get to be a rookie once. So I’m excited to play with all these women who have been playing pro for so long and kind of learn from them because as you move through college, you kind of become that person for the younger girls so it’s kind of a nice switch up for me.
Q: The transition from college to the pros, did you do anything to get ready or talk to people to get ready for that?
A: I think summer training was really important for me this summer. I definitely went at it a lot harder than in previous years. I went to a new gym that was set up for me through some friends who have been in the league and know what to expect. So that off ice component was really important to me and something I really focused on. As for on ice, I’m excited to be at camp and get into it, but it was really the off ice focus for me.
Q: What are your first impressions of Head Coach Fargo?
A: He’s great. He was an ECAC coach so I had a lot of contact playing him throughout the years. He was at Colgate, I was at Yale. I got to play against him and I’m really excited to play for him now. We’ve been having a few concept videos, film sessions before we got to camp just so we could hit the ground running. He is obviously great at what he does. Colgate thrived under him so I’m excited to play for him and not against him.
Q: What are you focusing on the most through camp to really show what you can bring to this team and hopefully make the roster?
A: I think just being present everyday. It’s easy to look ahead and sort of let that hold you back. But just being present in the moment and trusting the work that you put in in the offseason. You know we had a really long offseason so we got to put in a lot of work and get better at things I needed to get better at. So I just need to trust that and then go into everyday looking to have fun because this is a new experience and something that should be exciting and fun.
Ally Simpson
Q: What are your thoughts about Coach Fargo?
A: Yeah, I obviously had a lot of interaction with Coach Fargo being at Colgate with him for the past five years. I loved playing under him there and I’m really excited to grow through this whole transition process with him and having that great relationship with a great coach is something I’m obviously really excited about. Looking forward to growing through this whole process with him and seeing how we both develop through it so I’m just really excited.
Q: You just mentioned the transition from college to the PWHL, have you received any advice about what makes that transition easier or are you just taking it one day at a time?
A: It’s really one day at a time, first and foremost. Obviously, I’ve known some players who played in the league last year and getting advice from them on the physicality is like the one main keystone that everyone keeps talking about. Just making sure that I incorporate that into my game and for me, that’s already a big part of my game so I’m excited to bring that into the PWHL more. But yeah, just taking it one day at a time and just soaking it all in, learning as much as I can everytime I get on the ice.
Q: This right now is of course a dream come true for you and everybody. How many times as a kid did you try to manifest this moment?
A: It’s kind of crazy because even as a kid, this wasn’t on my radar. I didn’t really dream of playing professionally because it didn’t feel like an avenue for me so it was more about making the national team and trying to go that route and just playing hockey as long as I possibly could. But it’s so cool to be a part of this now and have that as something I didn’t even think about being possible. It gives me goosebumps talking about it and it really is a dream come true.
Q: What were your impressions of the league watching from a distance last season? And what was that pre-draft process like for you?
A: Obviously, super cool to be able to watch the games last year. Again, the physicality was something that I noted and the league did a really great job of putting together these teams, the markets and doing as much as they could in such a short period of time. The turnaround was really great to see and the engagement that the league got in traction and obviously excited for them to keep pushing that forward. As for the pre-draft process, it was kind of a whirlwind. My season ended and then, you have that bit of a break before the draft. Talking to my agent and coaches and GMs and all of that was a whole new experience for me. It was great to be able to talk to different teams and the draft was an amazing experience. So different from anything else I’ve ever had to do in my life. It’s really cool to look back on and see all of that development.
Q: What were your interactions like with the New York franchise and what was their message about the team and the project of turning things around?
A: Obviously, Fargo getting the coaching job was brand new so I had only talked to the scout beforehand. It was awesome to be able to have that conversation with Fargo who I’ve known so well and just transporting that to a different light. It was kind of a whirlwind and again, new. The newness of everything and having him step into that role was really important. Just being able to start fresh, again the league is so young so it’s cool that we’re bringing that newness to here and turning the page on last year and being able to build on all the amazing work the players did last year but also growing with this new new group of players. Excited about that.
Abbey Levy
Q: We got to see your pads for this season in a post and everyone has loved them. They’re arguably the best set in the league. Can you explain your thought process behind the design and why you designed them the way you did?
A: It’s one of my most favorite things to do as a goaltender, even better than practicing. I just love designing things. Every single year, I take a lot of working and thinking, drawing things out and talking it over with my family. So family is a big inspiration for me and they kind of help me come up with a design and they let me know what works, what doesn’t. A big thing that I took into account this year was the torch on the blocker and that was all my younger sister. She takes all the credit for that. I didn’t even come up with that one so that was a big hit. I think my family takes a lot of input for that and I like to tweak it just at the end.
Q: What other inspiration did you have for the whole design aspect?
A: A lot of the buildings have meaning to it. So you can see the Brooklyn Bridge and the Twin Towers are in there with the Freedom Tower on the right side. I thought as a New Yorker, I grew up here, it’s a big part of New York history and I always want that to be remembered so I had to put that there. My helmet, too, has the beams for that as well.
Q: What are your impressions of the different venues you’ve played in last season? And what are you expecting with a full time home at Prudential?
A: It was absolutely incredible, the venues we were able to play in. UBS, the Rock. Toronto I know is getting a bigger one so I’m excited to see that and then places like Lowell in Boston, they’re just great arenas for women and fans fill them out. It’s fun to play there, it’s fun that we get the opportunity that the boys get with the bigger arenas and one day, I think it’s going to be a thing where we get our own maybe and I’m excited to see that.
Q: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?
A: I’m just expecting growth out of this group. We put a lot of emphasis on being better from our season last year and that’s what we’re really going to focus on. Just getting that 10 percent better and really cracking down and getting to the championship game one day.
Q: As someone who is a New Yorker, obviously you didn’t grow up with this team, but what is it like to play a role in creating a hometown team for other New Yorkers and growing it?
A: As a New Yorker, we wear that on our shirt, that’s our big pride. For me, being a New York team, that’s something I really take into a big part of my personality and something I want the younger generation to see because when I was younger, I never had that. I never had a New York girls team to look up to. So it’s really special for me to give that back to the youth and get excited about playing hockey.
Q: There’s a lot of youth teams that play out of here (Codey Arena) and practice here too. Are you guys interacting?
A: We’re trying to get involved in the community. It’s a big move for us from Connecticut to here, but also I have a bunch of connections being a younger kid playing for the New Jersey Colonials right in Mennen, my whole life. There’s a lot of connections I have as well to be a part of the community and just bring that group there. I’m excited for that to build.
Q: What is something that you would say to motivate or just give a piece of advice to little girls that play hockey?A: There’s a place for you now. Just that. There’s a place for you.
Q: Curious if you’ve been able to interact with any of the other women’s sports teams in New York and your thoughts on the movement happening locally around the women’s sports teams?
A: I would love to interact with all those individuals, but me myself I’m very busy as a professional. I was training over in another country this season so I was very busy this year. I wish I could interact with them but I’m very happy with what they’re doing and I know they’re happy with what we’re doing.
Q: How do you think the Sirens fit into that picture?
A: Winning environment, I’ll say that.
Sarah Fillier
Q: You’re the second ever first overall draft pick. Have you talked to Taylor Heise about her experience and the transition or what it means to be a first overall pick?
A: Yeah, I saw her at the draft quickly and she congratulated me and I congratulated her on her great season with Minnesota winning the Walter Cup. But we didn’t get into details. I think she’s gonna keep her cards pretty close to her chest, you know, playing her this year with New York and Minnesota. I’ve been in so many different situations with different levels and leagues and then national play so hopefully that experience helps me transition smoothly.
Q: What are your expectations for the season and your thoughts on the fanbase in the tristate area?
A: I think the turnout was great last year in all the cities New York played in. I think it was awesome and there’s a ton of excitement and enthusiasm but at the end of the day, that’s just the baseline for this league and I think it’s only going to grow from here. I think it’s so exciting for our fans too that we’re full time out of the Prudential Center so makes it easier for them and we’re excited to see them out there.
Q: In your signing announcement, you talked about promoting hockey for girls. Do you have anything specific in mind or just playing the game?
A: Finally being a pro and not having the academic schedule to balance and maintain, especially at Princeton, it’s a challenge so I’m excited to be a pro for once. I run a lot of youth camps in Georgetown, Ontario, back home in the summer so hopefully getting involved in the community. I played in front of the New Jersey community for a long time at Princeton so hopefully I stay engaged with them.
Q: What is something you would tell those little girls who look up to you that obviously want to go pro playing hockey as a woman?
A: It’s exciting that they can even dream about that now too. When I was growing up, I always told people I wanted to play in the NHL and people kind of laughed at me so now the girls growing up in the sport can say they want to play in the PW and it be a reality that people can take seriously is amazing, I think as a young hockey player, you just want to have fun. I think back to those times and I met some of my closest friends and had the best memories and experiences. So just enjoy the game and have fun.
Q: There were some reports this offseason about your contract negotiations. Just want to hear from you your perspective on that and what you can share about that whole process.
A: My representatives worked with New York over the offseason to try and get something done that would benefit both of us. And I’m super happy to get things signed and on paper and I can’t wait to start my journey with New York. Meeting everyone at the start of training camp was awesome and I think we have a great group of staff and players here so I’m excited.
Q: Obviously, you’re not going too far from where you’ve been playing the last several years. Is that something good to know that you’re not too far from your old teammates and are they coming to see you play at any point this season?
A: Yeah, it’s nice. When I first got drafted by New York, all my teammates at Princeton were so excited that I’d be just down the road and I’ve already been asked by all the girls back at Princeton for tickets for the home opener. I’m sure we'll pack the Pru with some Princeton Tigers for sure.
Q: There have been other iterations of pro leagues, this one seems to have a different take. As a college player, when this league launched, was there a different feel about what this league meant as opposed to some of the other ones?
A: I think what really stood out to me was how much hard work was put in behind the scenes. I think this was a project that was going on for years behind the scenes and when they announced it and it came to fruition, it had a super solid foundation and I think that’s really important when you’re trying to build a sustainable pro league. Just the detail and professionalism that everything’s been handled with is exciting.
Q: You have a few friends of course from Princeton and other places that are now in the PWHL, Toronto, a couple of good friends. So how often do you get on the phone or the internet and say “Haha, I’m in New York.”?
A: Representing a city like New York is iconic and not many people get to say it so I definitely rub it in my friends’ faces who play in other markets and for other teams.
Q: What do you think will be the keys for this team in the standings this year? Moving up from last year?
A: I think just finding our identity pretty quickly. We’ve got a lot of new players, new staff but I think we all share the same values which is important. The quicker we can come together and all get on the same page, the better our season will be for us.
Q: Only about two and a half weeks until the game. Does that feel like forever or feel like it’s too short for preseason?
A: I felt like the offseason took forever. I got drafted in June and it’s the longest five months waiting to get here so two weeks isn’t too bad of a wait to play games.
Ella Shelton
Q: You had a fantastic season last year. You lead all defenders in points, you were nominated for defender of the year. Do you keep those things in the back of your mind coming into this season or are you looking at like fresh page, fresh start, taking it one day at a time?
A: I think it’s a little bit of both. I think having that first season, it’s obviously a standard I’ve set for myself and something that I look to do in this new coming season. But also, it’s a fresh page. It’s a new season, new team, new look so I’m really excited to take a hold of that and use what I’ve done in the past to push me forward in the future.
Q: You’re one of the leaders on this team, how do you see your role going forward this season?
A: Being a leader, I think, it’s amazing that my teammates see me as someone they can rely on both on the ice and off the ice. I hope I continue to do that for my teammates. I think the biggest thing is always making those connections. I think, often in the women’s game, we find that what you are good at off the ice, away from the rink is what helps propel you to be amazing on the ice. Getting to know people, because we have a bunch of new faces on our staff and knowing who they are as a person is what makes them an amazing staff member and an amazing team member.
Q: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?
A: There was a new look for our team. A lot of new faces and allowing that our past is something that we can learn from and grow from, but knowing there’s still so much more we can accomplish. It’s a new season, it’s not taking away from what happened last year, the success or not so successful moments that you might’ve had, but using that as your guidelines to go onto the next year.
Q: What was it like last year having home games in different spots week to week and what do you think it’ll mean to the team to have a more fixed base?
A: Being in New York, it’s such a hot market for everything. There’s sports teams, there’s everything that you can think of so kind of hitting all different pockets of the surrounding areas was good for us to figure out where our fanbase really lies. I think that going to each center was great. Each facility was so different, so interesting to see how your daily routine might interact with. But having a home facility in one place and being in Jersey, I’m really excited about it. I think there’s a big fanbase anyways from previous teams, obviously the Riveters that were here so I think honing into that and honing into our fanbase that we had last year and hoping that they all continue to come to New Jersey.
Q: Did you move and what was that like?
A: It was a lot, obviously. It’s never any fun having to pack up your life again and move, but it’s what you do for the sport you love and continue to do. I’m happy to be where I am in Jersey here and I’m really excited for the season.
Q: The PWHL is now in video games (NHL 25). What do you think your overall rating will be?
A: Great question. I don’t know if I know my overall rating from previous teams. Maybe in the eighties? Somewhere around there I think is, maybe, a standard answer. 88 sounds good?
Q: Blayre Turnbull said year two will be more about hockey as opposed to year one being about the newness. Any thoughts on that statement?
A: Great statement in the sense that we’ve established ourselves and our centers. We know what to expect on a day to day and hopefully those growing pains become not at the forefront of everybody’s brain. Hockey is always the number one thing. I think when you think back to the beginning of the year, it still was about hockey in some capacity. I mean, they put this league together with the snap of a finger pretty much so hockey has always been the priority and you kind of grow through that as well. But I think this year there will be a lot more time to focus on our day to day off the ice, your day to day on the ice, your practices and growing from those growing pains will be huge for this season.
Q: Is something from last year that you first got in that was missing that is noticeably better this year just because it’s year two instead of year one?
A: I would say, honestly, expectations going into last year, you had to be very open minded and very patient in general. I think, for me, my biggest thing in New York is having one building to play out of. I’m really excited to call this home and feel like we can really rally around that. I know other centers might have different answers because they were in one building the whole time. For us, I would say that’s the biggest thing.
Q: How are you feeling about playing under a new coach? What do you think that’s going to be like under Coach Fargo?
A: I’ve had a lot of interactions with Fargo. Small world when you get into the hockey world when you meet people or even like my brother’s wife used to play under him as well so a lot of connections to help understand who Greg is as a person outside of meeting him for the first time and being his player. I’m just really excited. He has a really open mind and he’s been super communicative with us and sharing his desires for this team. I think that’s always the first step in having a good relationship is having good communication and that will hopefully propel us into success this year.
Q: What do your off days look like now that you’re here in New Jersey and New York?
A: Great question! I don’t know what my off days look like yet. I just got here from just being at the Rivalry Series so I haven’t really had an off day yet, but hopefully there’ll be more exploring of the city and Jersey area. I heard Jersey is known for their diners. Is that right? Bagels and diners? I would go to a diner before I go to a pizza joint. I went to Tops Diner the other day with my dad, I hear that’s a pretty choice. I’m off to a good start! Even being here at Codey for practices, the zoo is right there. I know a couple of teammates have already gone to explore it so I think it’d be fun if our team is able to do things like that.
Q: You mentioned the Rivalry Series. When you get together with that group, is there talk about your PWHL homes? Do you compare notes? Do you talk trash? What goes on there?
A: There’s a hint of everything. We’re all professional at this point. When we go to our pro teams, like New York or Toronto, that’s your team, that’s who you’re playing for and those are the people you’re backing. When we go to our national teams, it feels very comfortable for a lot of people so we all know what to expect going there as well. I think it’s easy to compare notes and I think it’s important to compare notes because then you can help each other, help our centers because we are one entity. We’re all the PWHL. I think it’s important to be able to share what works for them, what doesn’t work for you. Even if you try it here in our own center, it might not work, it might work, could be bad, could be bad, you never know. Not too much trash talk.
Q: What did you learn from last season?
A: The biggest thing, for me, that I learned last season is that my ceiling is still growing. I still haven’t reached my full potential and I’m really excited for year two to help kind of find that. I think I did a lot of great things and learned that there’s a lot more I can contribute than just playing defensively. There’s a lot of offense and being very solidified in my game. I would say I’m a very fast, physical player and finding a new level of that will help me be even more in this coming season.
Abby Roque
Q: The PWHL is now in video games (NHL 25). What do you think your overall rating will be?
A: If we’re just doing the women’s game, some were in the eighties somewhere? I obviously don’t know how they do it compared to the men’s and NHL teams but I’ve been in the game before, I don’t know what my score is though. There’s a score somewhere in there for me from before.
Q: I see you have a lot of new gear on, how are you feeling about the Sirens brand, the rollout, everything and having that to wear this season?
A: I think we were really missing that piece last year but I’m glad they took the time to do it right and really get all the branding right. But I say all the time, the amount of questions I got from people like “Oh, you play for the pro hockey team in New York?” and I would be like “Yeah!” and they’d be like “What’s your name?” and I’d be like “New York!” And then they’d just like be like “Oh?” and then you saw the confusion on their face and I was like yeah I get it. It’s nice to just be able to say we’re the New York Sirens, really have an identity and run with that.
Q: What are your expectations and goals for your season this year?
A: I think the goal every year is to win it all and the expectation is to build off of last year a lot more. First step is making the playoffs, second step is performing well in the playoffs. I think we have to take it one step at a time.
Q: During the offseason, when you were training was there any part of your equipment that changed or any new equipment?
A: Not for me. I haven’t changed gear in way too long. I still wear the Bauer 4500 helmet and Bauer texted me and they’re like “We’re done making it so you better grab a few,” and I was like “Okay, I’ll put some in the back.” So I’m a creature of habit.
Q: You played in a couple different arenas last season. How does it feel or how excited are you to play in one designated arena at The Rock this year? What are your expectations fan wise and having one place to call home?
A: I think that’s one of the main things we’ve talked about. Having the setup here, that’s been awesome. The new locker room is amazing. Having one home where we can really start to build a fanbase that’s all in one place and just also being so close to where we fly out of for all of our games. I think it’s huge for us. It makes our lives a lot easier but I also think it helps build that fanbase. We played two games out of The Rock last year and I thought those two games were amazing. I thought the fans were loud, they came with signs, friendship bracelets. It was great to see so I’m excited to build on that.
Q: As the PWHL develops and checking and more physical play is allowed, how do you see that impacting other areas of women’s hockey whether it be international play or NCAA. And how do you think players are starting to grow in terms of figuring out that physicality?
A: I think definitely we are leading the charge on that and I think it was a long time coming. I think every female hockey player wanted the game to be more physical and we’ve been fighting for it and thankfully, building this league, we had people who listened to us and wanted to give us what we wanted and that was more physical play. I think the IIHF is going to have to switch with that. The IIHF has always been… the no physicality kind of leads to a lot of inconsistent calls in the games and it can ruin the game when there’s all these inconsistent calls, too many power plays, too many penalties. The physicality makes it better for the fans too. Even the girls I talk to who are playing college, my friends right not, they wish that they would add more physicality. I know a couple leagues have told their refs they want it to go a little more, like let them play it a little harder because the jump is tough. We’ve heard it from girls. When you’re going from no physicality and people are rocking you, it’s a tough adjustment so I think everyone has to adjust to us now.
Q: Keeping up with the women’s sports scene in New York, some other teams, the Liberty just won the championship. What do you take away from that? What you’ve seen in person, heard, learned from being part of that little community?
A: I was lucky enough to be near-ish the area for summer training so I got to go to a couple Gotham games. I know a couple of the girls. The Liberty games, I went to one this summer and watched all the playoffs, had to. Women’s sports is all about supporting each other and I think that’s what we try to do is lift each other up. Obviously, championship from Gotham last year, championship from the Liberty this year. I think it’s kind of nice to try to get that next title and it’s nice to be winning in New York. That’s what people want in this area right?
Q: Piggybacking off the physicality of the play, last year did you feel like sometimes you were holding back because of the rules and this year, are you able to go a little more out?
A: I think last year one of the main things wasn’t exactly the league’s fault, but I think they were trying to figure out how to introduce the checking. Like out of the gate, they didn’t really give us a rulebook because I think they wanted to see how things were going to play out. They told us to play more physical and I think at first, for me, I’m not clear on what’s a penalty and what’s not. I could do something one game and nothing’s called and the next game it’s called. I think after a couple of games they really were like “Okay, here’s our sample size,” and they tried to show videos and things like that which was awesome. They were like “This is a call, this is not a call in our league. We want to play physical, we don’t want to hurt people,” kind of vibe and I think after that, it was pretty much better controlled, better called. I think they’re carrying that over trying to make those rules really set in stone and I think that helps for all of us to really know what the standard is.
Q: As one of the veterans on this team, how do you see your role easing along certain players like Sarah Fillier and the new players?
A: I feel like I’m lucky. I probably know most of the girls coming in from some way or another except obviously the Europeans, but I’ve been lucky enough to be driving them to and from the rink right now. So I’m learning Swedish and Finnish, but it’s been good. Like Fillier’s somebody I’ve played against for a long time and I was back in Toronto skating with the group two or three weeks ago so I got to catch up with her a little bit. I think a lot of these players are comfortable coming in, they know they’re good enough, it’s just about bringing them into the team values and really including them. We just did practice and everybody was looking awesome. Everybody from the new players, they came ready to play and that’s what we wanted to see as veterans that people didn’t slack off in the summer. They were ready to go, like they came, pushed themselves and were ready to get on the ice.
All photos courtesy of Breanna Ebisch
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