Five Questions with New York Sirens Forward Kristin O'Neill
Kristin O'Neill may be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to the Sirens' struggling depth.
Sirens fans were shocked during the 2025 PWHL Draft when it was announced that Abby Roque - one of the Sirens' original three free agent signings - was being traded to the Montréal Victoire for Kristin O'Neill and the 28th overall pick in the draft. As unexpected as the trade may have been, however, there's a lot to be excited about with the addition of O'Neill to New York's roster.
O'Neill may be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to the Sirens' depth, which has struggled for two seasons running. She brings grit and physicality to the lineup while also being excellent at the dot: she won 57.9% of her faceoffs taken in the 2024-25 season, the third highest in the league among skaters who took 100 or more faceoffs. Hockey Canada also recently named O'Neill to the roster for the National Teams Orientation Camp in the leadup to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
It looks like a promising fit for O'Neill in New York, and I had the chance to chat with her so that fans can get to know her a bit better before she hits the ice in a Sirens jersey for the first time.
What was your introduction to playing hockey?
My introduction to hockey started from watching my three older sisters play, trying to keep up with them and playing road hockey with them (mostly being their goalie) and spending time watching hockey with my dad. And naturally, I kind of showed an interest in playing, and my parents got me into it. I think everyone in my family can agree that I definitely picked up on it earlier than they did, I think from watching so many hours of them playing.
What is your hockey nickname?
My hockey nickname is KO, so just my initials. That was a fairly new nickname. I feel like as a kid, I would always be a little sad that I never had a nickname, just my first name. But I really like that one, and it stuck.
What are you most excited about playing in New York?
Yeah, I think there are a lot of people I'm really excited to get to know, I'm really excited to explore New York City. I've been before, but no longer than a two-day stay. So I'm really excited to feel somewhat like a local.
What can fans expect from you on the ice?
I think I'm, you know, a gritty, two-way center. I'm feisty. You know, I like to get under people's skin. I think my speed is one of my biggest assets, and I really take pride in the penalty kill.
What's a fun fact about you that fans might like to know?
I don't know if this is really a fun fact, but I really like to cook, and I'm really excited to make a giant bucket list of restaurants to go to in New York City. There's this YouTuber that makes videos where he goes to certain cities and says, like, "here are ten restaurants you have to try." So the New York one was the first one I watched, and all the ones in that video I need to get to.
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