The New York Sirens of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) are quickly becoming more than just the local hockey team. Instead, they are building a culture designed to bring new fans in and last. And it all starts in Newark.
When the Sirens, known initially as PWHL New York, joined as one the league’s inaugural six teams in 2023, no one knew what to expect. Fast forward to 2026, the team has transformed Jersey’s Prudential Center into a hub of good vibes and, of course, elite competition. It’s not just the sport itself that’s making a difference—after all, Newark has been a hockey town since the Devils moved there in 2007—it’s also the inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere that comes with it.
Now in their third season—and in the dead heat of a playoff race—the Sirens continue to establish themselves both competitively and culturally.
That said, the team’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses.
Building a Grassroots Fanbase
On Sirens nights, the Rock doesn’t ease into things. It starts LOUD.
Warmups feel like their own event. Kids crowd the glass before the players even finish their first lap, palms flat against it, scanning for eye contact. Someone’s holding a handmade sign that probably left glitter all over a kitchen table somewhere in North Jersey. A chant kicks up in one section, then spreads.
That’s the energy Jersey brings.
Section 14 has become its own ecosystem. That’s where the Pizza Rats gather, and if you’ve sat near them, you know they don’t do quiet. They’ve turned a block of seats into a tradition — creative chants, inside jokes, the kind of loyalty that builds over winters, not weeks.
What stands out, though, is who’s sitting around them.
You’ll see longtime hockey fans who can break down a power play without missing a beat. Right next to them, families attending their first women’s professional game, figuring it out shift by shift. Nobody’s gatekeeping. Nobody’s acting like this belongs to only one kind of fan.
You can say, “It’s just hockey.” But guess what? It’s working.
That connection reflects the spirit of Newark itself—a city in the midst of a major resurgence.
Long known for its industrial roots, Newark has experienced significant growth in recent years. New residential towers, expanding entertainment options, community hubs, and a thriving arts and dining scene have transformed the downtown area. The Sirens add to that momentum, bringing new fans, families, and energy into the city on game nights and reinforcing Newark’s status as a major sports destination.
It’s safe to say that with two professional hockey teams, Newark is officially a hockey town.
For many fans, attending a Sirens game is about more than the scoreboard. It’s about being part of Newark’s next chapter.
Rising Stars and Veterans Alike Line the Roster
On the ice, the Sirens are building one of the league’s most exciting young rosters.
Leading the charge is Kristýna Kaltounková, the team’s 2025 first overall draft pick. She made headlines internationally when she scored her first Olympic goal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Over here in the PWHL, Kaltounková currently leads the league in goals.
Her performance has given the Sirens both star power and legitimacy on the world stage.
The team’s international presence doesn’t stop there. Defender Nicole Vallario represented Switzerland at the Olympics, while Maja Nylén‑Persson competed for Sweden and Sarah Fillier, Kristin O’Neill and Kayle Osborne played for Canada, showcasing the Sirens’ globe-spanning talent.
Meanwhile, NYC-raised Casey O’Brien and standout scorer Fillier, who played college hockey at Princeton, bring a mix of local pride and elite skill. Together, the roster blends youth, international experience, and star potential—key ingredients for the long-term success of a franchise.
Through these players, the Sirens are quickly forging a base of lifetime fans.
Growing the Game Beyond the Ice
The Sirens’ mission goes far beyond competition.
Fan-favorite forward Elle Hartje recently became the first female ambassador for Hockey in New Jersey, promoting youth hockey programs, supporting girls’ initiatives, and encouraging greater participation across the Garden State.
Her involvement represents the team’s broader commitment to growing the sport from the ground up.
The Sirens also continue to engage fans through unique events. Recently, the team hosted several Olympic watch parties at the American Dream Mall. Players joined fans, signed autographs, and gave away merchandise. Together, they watched the U.S. Women’s Team take home the gold medal, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime.
“It’s so fun to be out here to watch and support our teammates who are playing in the Olympics,” said Sirens defender Allyson Simpson during one of the watch parties.
The Sirens are also using their platform to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
On February 26, the team will host a Black History Celebration Unity Game against the Montréal Victoire at Prudential Center. The event will honor Black culture and recognize the contributions of Black athletes, artists, and leaders in hockey and beyond.
Broadway performer Sholanty Taylor will sing the national anthem, and Miss New Jersey Ivy Harrington will attend as a special guest.
It’s events like these that reinforce the Sirens’ commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all fans.
Newark at the Center
As the PWHL continues to grow, the Sirens are a piece of the puzzle, helping define what professional women’s hockey can look like. New traditions and a wave of inspiration for aspiring young athletes go beyond even a new source of pride for Newark, a city finally coming into its own.
In Newark, the Sirens have found a community ready to grow with them. And as their fan base expands and their players continue to shine on the world stage, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning.
“This is full volume hockey.”
Michael is the Editor-in-Chief of New Jersey Digest and Creative Director at X Factor Media. A Bergen County native, he discovered his passion for storytelling while studying at Montclair State University. In addition to his work in journalism and media, Michael is an avid fiction writer. Outside the office, he enjoys kayaking, a bold glass of Nebbiolo, and the fine art of over-editing.