The 2025-26 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) campaign proved to be a turbulent journey for the New York Sirens. Entering the midseason mark, the team looked poised to secure a playoff berth, but a late-season slide ultimately dashed their hopes of making their inaugural PWHL postseason appearance.
Assigning blame for the Sirens’ downfall is a futile exercise; hockey is a team sport where every player contributed to the pursuit of a playoff spot. Ultimately, collective efforts fell short, with individual performances varying across the roster. In this first edition of our 2025-26 Sirens report cards, we evaluate and grade the performance of goaltender Kayle Osborne.
2025-26 Performance
Following the departure of Corinne Schroeder to the Seattle Torrent in the expansion draft, the Sirens found themselves relying on Kayle Osborne alongside rookies Callie Shanahan and Kaley Doyle. Rather than seeking external additions, the organization opted to trust their internal roster. This transition necessitated a step-up to the starting role for Osborne, a challenge she readily met.
Osborne appeared in 27 of the team’s 30 games, posting an 11-14-1-1 record alongside four shutouts. She kicked off her shutout tally in the season opener against the Ottawa Charge, stopping 28 shots. Her remaining clean sheets came against the Vancouver Goldeneyes on December 31, the Toronto Sceptres on January 6, and once more against the Sceptres in the season finale on April 21.
Amid a four-game skid from December 3 to 17, Osborne rebounded to help the Sirens capture four consecutive victories between December 28 and January 6. The goaltender experienced a back-and-forth pattern of wins and losses until another four-game losing streak struck between March 15 and 28.
Impact on the Sirens
For the majority of the 2025-26 season, Osborne shouldered the immense burden of carrying the Sirens on her back. Starting in 27 of the team’s 30 games, she faced significant pressure in net. While the PWHL schedule is shorter than the NHL’s 82-game slate, the demand to remain at peak performance over 30 contests is still a substantial test of endurance and focus.
Osborne successfully demonstrated her ability to handle the pressures of the starting role. Through clutch stops and consistent performances, she frequently kept the Sirens competitive. Her reliable presence in goal served as a crucial stabilizing force throughout the season.
Future in the PWHL
Prior to the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, the PWHL unveiled its expansion plans for the 2026-27 season, welcoming four new franchises: PWHL Detroit, PWHL Hamilton, PWHL San Jose, and PWHL Las Vegas. Alongside this announcement, the league introduced a six-phase expansion player distribution process.
During Phase 2 of the distribution process, the incoming franchises were permitted to sign five existing players, with PWHL Hamilton securing Osborne’s services on a three-year contract.
Following two seasons between the pipes for the Sirens, Osborne will take her talents to Hamilton. Parting ways with their starting goaltender for the second consecutive year represents a significant blow for New York, particularly given her stellar performance during the 2025-26 season. We wish Osborne continued success and the best of luck in her new chapter with Hamilton.
Overall Grade
For her efforts during the 2025-26 season, Osborne earns a B+ grade. She did commendable work keeping the Sirens in the playoff conversation. However, a goaltender can only do so much when team-wide offensive struggles persist.
In her first full campaign as a starting goaltender, Osborne managed the pressure admirably and played to the best of her abilities. She consistently gave her maximum effort right up to the final whistle of the season.
While the 2026-27 schedule is yet to be finalized, the Sirens are guaranteed to face off against Hamilton. Former teammates and opponents alike will have a clear sense of what to expect when they square up against her on the ice.