Emma Peschel ready to feed off New York environment as she brings talent to Sirens

Emma Peschel is a self-described “city girl at heart.” The New York Sirens introduced Peschel, their seventh overall selection in the 2026 PWHL Draft, at the Empire State Building on Tuesday.Peschel grew up in Edina, Minnesota, just outside of Minneapolis and the hometown of NHLers Anders Lee and Casey Mittelstadt, and she is excited to grow in the city just as much as she is to join its newest hockey club. “I’ve always liked to be around that environment.

Being in the biggest city in the world, in your 20s, I don’t think there’s much better,” Peschel said.“So that was the most exciting part.

Obviously, joining the Sirens is huge, but living in New York is going to be so fun … getting to take in all the cuisine, and the adventures, and the parks, and everything that comes with it.” Peschel spent four years at Ohio State, where she won the national championship in 2024 and learned a lot, “especially discipline and development.” Now, she’s getting ready to join a rapidly growing league in a huge market. “I think it’s one of the best times to join in the history of the league,” she said.“Obviously, it’s only been four years and we’re from six to 12 teams, so it’s a really cool jump to see. “I think the growth will continue in seeing the draft class that’s come in.

We have a lot of talent, and I think we’ll make a pretty big impact in the league right away.” Sirens general manager Pascal Daoust had nothing but great things to say about his newest defender, who he selected over 2026 U.S.Olympian Kirsten Simms, who went to Toronto with the following pick. “I think that I probably went too short [in his opening statement] on the amount of love that we have for her,” Daoust said jokingly.

“She is someone who, of course, has a physicality that she has, but she skates well, she plays well.She makes decisions on the ice that won’t just make her look good … it’s a lot of leadership that is coming our way. ...