The dream came true for Casey O’Brien, a forward from Wisconsin, when she heard her name being called as the third overall pick for the New York Sirens in the 2025 PWHL Draft. The Sirens picked the 23-year-old Milton, a Massachusetts native, who completed an outstanding NCAA career as a three-time National Champion, Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner, and First Team All-American.
The pick came through a trade that sent experienced defender Ella Shelton to the Toronto Sceptres in return for a fourth-round pick (27th overall) and Toronto’s first-round selection (third overall).
She had always quietly wished for this outcome, having grown up in SoHo and learned to play hockey at the Chelsea Piers sports complex—what she affectionately referred to as “the rink that shaped me.”
While overlooking the city from the observation deck atop Rockefeller Center, during media availability, we asked O’Brien what she thinks she can personally bring to New York.
“I think I’m a 200-foot center, so I can play responsibly in the D zone, but I can also bring a lot of offense. And I think that me and also the entire draft class coming in have really great vision and play-making abilities. So I think the young, fast, dynamic class that’s coming in, we’re going to be able to bring a lot of offense, and I think the Sirens team is going to be brand new, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The Badgers co-captain led the nation and set a program single-season record in 2024-25 with 88 points (26G, 62A) in 41 games, concluding her five-year career as Wisconsin’s all-time best scorer with 274 points (97G, 177A) in 182 games, a title previously held by Hilary Knight. She won gold and silver medals with Team USA at the U18 Worlds in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
New York made a key addition to the roster, bringing on O’Brien, who plays a strong, dynamic game, displays a solid work ethic, and has excellent vision on the ice. She maneuvers through crowds with her impressive skating and puck-handling skills, making her a potential top-six scorer for any team. While she has a knack for finding the back of the net, she also excels at setting up her teammates.
