First overall PWHL Draft pick Sarah Fillier had a long wait to get to New York, but now that's she's on the ice with her new team, Fillier can't wait to get started.
First overall PWHL Draft pick Sarah Fillier had a long wait to get to New York, but now that's she's on the ice with her new team, Fillier can't wait to get started.
There are a lot more eyes on the PWHL as the league starts its second season, and a lot of that attention is on the highly-touted first overall draft pick, Canadian national team star and Princeton alumnus Sarah Fillier.
Already highly accomplished at the international level, Fillier brings high-calibre skill and offensive abilities that few others possess to the New York Sirens, who finished last in the inaugural season. The team already has a different energy this season, with new coach Greg Fargo at the helm, and some interesting additions through the draft.
What are the keys to a better finish for the team? On day one of camp, Fillier said, “I think just finding our identity pretty quickly. We've got a lot of new players and new staff, but I think we all share the same values, which is important. The quicker we can come together and all get on the same page, the better our season will be for us.
“Starting training camp was awesome, and I think we have a great group of staff and players here, so I’m excited.”
The newly-named Sirens will play at New Jersey’s Prudential Center, which should provide better attendance and an improved fan atmosphere.
“I think it's so exciting for our fans too that we're full-time out of the Prudential Center, so it makes it easier for them, and we’re excited to see them out there,” said Fillier.
She is familiar with the area from her time at Princeton (where she finished with 194 points in 120 games). Her former teammates will get to stay in close contact.
In her final season, Filler scored a career-high 30 goals and 43 points in 29 games, and led the NCAA in goals per game.
“When I first got drafted by New York, all my teammates at Princeton were so excited that I’d be just down the road. I've already been asked by all the girls back at Princeton to get tickets for the home opener, and I'm sure we'll pack the Pru with some Princeton Tigers for sure,” she added.
Fillier wrapped up the Rivalry Series with Canada last week where the team won two out of three games in the western U.S. Her numbers lately with the national team haven’t been as outstanding as in previous years, but she’s added versatility by playing on the wing, and could still play center with the Sirens.
Fargo will have to decide if she might fit on a line with Alex Carpenter, or centering a second line with someone like third-round pick Finland’s Noora Tulus. Finding chemistry in camp is always a trial-and-error process, and employing Fillier in the best manner will be an important factor for the team.
Camp will run for two weeks, but after this summer’s long break, Fillier isn’t complaining about the wait to see game action.
“I feel like the off-season felt forever. I mean, I got drafted in June, and it was the longest five months of my life waiting to get here. So two weeks isn't too bad of a wait to play games.”