Sarah Fillier's 2024-25 season with the New York Sirens was nothing short of spectacular, immediately establishing her as a dominant force in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). Drafted first overall by the Sirens in the 2024 PWHL draft, Fillier not only lived up to the hype but exceeded expectations, becoming a cornerstone of the team and a league-wide sensation.
Fillier's offensive prowess was undeniable. In 30 games, she tallied 13 goals and 16 assists, amassing a total of 29 points, which tied her with Hilary Knight for the league lead in scoring. This outstanding performance earned her the PWHL Points Leader award. Her scoring ability was diverse, including a league-best five power-play goals. Beyond pure scoring, Fillier demonstrated remarkable consistency, with her longest pointless streak being only three games. She also set a PWHL record by scoring in five consecutive games and recording multiple four-game assist streaks.
Beyond her offensive contributions, Fillier showcased a well-rounded game. She was defensively sound and added a gritty edge to the Sirens, leading the team with 35 penalty minutes and ranking second in hits with 38. Her +10 plus-minus rating was notable, especially considering that only three Sirens skaters finished the season with a positive rating.
Fillier's stellar performance rightfully earned her the title of PWHL Rookie of the Year. Many felt that she would have been in contention for the MVP award if the Sirens had made the playoffs. She was also named to the PWHL First Team All-Star and All-Rookie Team.
Despite Fillier's exceptional individual performance, the New York Sirens struggled as a team, finishing at the bottom of the league for the second consecutive year. A lack of depth scoring and a poor home record at the Prudential Center ultimately hampered their playoff aspirations. The team heavily relied on their top players, with Fillier, Carpenter, Jessie Eldridge, and Ella Shelton accounting for a significant percentage of their goals.
Looking ahead, the Sirens have made moves to bolster their roster, selecting Kristýna Kaltounková first overall in the subsequent draft and trading for Casey O'Brien. Fillier's presence and the new additions offer hope for a brighter future for the team. Recognizing her value, the Sirens signed Fillier to a two-year contract extension, expected to make her the league's highest-paid player. This commitment underscores the organization's belief in Fillier's ability to lead the team to success.
Fillier's impact extends beyond the PWHL. Before joining the Sirens, she had already achieved significant accolades, including an Olympic gold medal and multiple World Championship titles with Team Canada. She also earned Tournament MVP honors at the 2023 World Championships. Her experience and leadership qualities are invaluable to the Sirens as they aim to build a winning culture.
In conclusion, Sarah Fillier's 2024-25 season was a resounding success. She proved to be a dominant offensive force, a responsible defensive player, and a valuable leader. While the Sirens faced team challenges, Fillier's individual brilliance shone brightly, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting career in the PWHL. Her talent, combined with the Sirens' efforts to strengthen their roster, suggests a promising trajectory for both Fillier and the team in the seasons to come.
