The New York Sirens missed the playoffs again this season. The organization is proud of their growth, but unsatisfied with where the team is. It's a fact they plan to rectify in the offseason, and finally satisfy the appetite to win.
"We're going to take the right steps in the offseason here to make sure that we're not in this place again next season."
Those were the words of New York Sirens head coach Greg Fargo as his team held their end of season media availability. The comments came as the Sirens watched the opening of the Walter Cup playoffs for the third straight season from the outside looking in. New York remains the only original six PWHL team yet to make the playoffs. It's a fact that no one in the organization is satisfied with.
"Obviously we're not in a place we want to be having exit meetings this week," said Fargo.
"While it's great to reflect on the season and continue to learn, with the Walter Cup play offs happening this week, we certainly want to be playing."
Prior to the Olympic break the New York Sirens found themselves in a playoff spot. When they returned however, it came with an injury to first overall pick and leading goal scorer Kristyna Kaltounkova, who missed nine games. The team also lost then second leading goal scorer Taylor Girard to a season ending injury, and netminder Kayle Osborne went from stealing the third goalie spot on Team Canada during the first half of the season, to struggling down the stretch.
The result was another missed playoff for New York. With more expansion imminent, New York will again suffer at the hands of league growth, as they'll lose many of the top young players they've amassed via the draft the last two seasons.
While there are disappointments looking back, and uncertainty looking forward, here were also positives, and the Sirens staff see room to grow, and an appetite to win in the organiation.
"The good thing, the good, the positives out of this is that we feel really proud of the growth we made this season as an organization and a team," said Fargo. "But at the same time, we all recognize there's room to grow and we want to continue to take steps forward."
Upon reflection, there's lots to be proud of, but at the same time a real hunger and an appetite for more and to continue to bite off more. We're not where we want to be, certainly and that sentiment is clearly articulated the entire group and, and our staff alike. But we know we've got great people here that all want to win."