Sirens Sounds: Casey O’Brien makes good first impression in Team USA debut

It didn’t take long for Casey O’Brien to announce her presence in the red, white and blue. The New York Sirens forward recorded two points in her senior national team debut Friday, helping the United States cruise to a 7-0 win over Switzerland at the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship. O’Brien factored on both U.S. goals in the second period, scoring 3:44 into the frame and adding a secondary assist on the power play at 12:56. She also played a role in Kirsten Simms’ bar-down snipe at 6:40 of the third period, initiating the sequence with a backhand chip up the wall to Lacey Eden. She finished with a plus-three rating and won eight of nine faceoffs in 14:20 of ice time, sixth-most among USA forwards. At 25 years old, O’Brien became the third-oldest American to debut with the senior national team since the U.S. women’s team’s first Winter Olympics appearance in 1998. But if Friday’s performance is any indication, she shouldn’t have much trouble sticking around. “I’ve dreamed of wearing the jersey for so long,” O’Brien said during the second intermission “So now to finally get the opportunity, I’m just really excited and excited about this group.” O’Brien flirted with an Olympic bid in 2026, earning a spot on USA’s 30-player Rivalry Series roster for the second consecutive year. She ultimately wound up on the outside looking in and watched from home as the United States claimed gold that February in Milan-Cortina . “It hurts — to go through that process and not be there in the end. But I’ve come to peace with it,” she reflected in April. “I do believe that if I keep moving the way I’m moving, I’ll be there in the next one.” O’Brien’s case is already compelling after a standout 2025-26 campaign that earned her PWHL All-Rookie Team honors . A slow first month may have worked against her last winter, but the 2025 No. 3 overall pick quickly hit her stride in late December and never looked back. She led all rookies with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists), including 21 over her final 22 games, while winning 53.6 percent of her faceoffs — good for 10th in the League (minimum 110 attempts). A strong showing at Worlds this November should only strengthen her standing in the eyes of Team USA ’s decision-makers. Why Casey O’Brien in ‘perfect’ environment for USA breakout Fortunately for O’Brien, coach John Wroblewski has put her in prime position to make the most of this latest audition with USA Hockey . The former Wisconsin star is currently centering the United States’ fourth line alongside Badgers teammates Simms and Eden. O’Brien spent four seasons playing alongside Eden and previously called Simms her favorite linemate of her hockey career. “I think it’s perfect,” O’Brien said Friday. “We were on a line for a little while at Wisconsin, so there was no adjustment. We just jumped right back into our chemistry.” Their chemistry was evident Friday. USA’s fourth line scored twice, starting with O’Brien’s first career goal at the senior international level. O’Brien and Eden crashed the net after Swiss goalie Andrea Brändli turned aside an initial attempt from defender Caroline Harvey. Eden battled for possession and poked the puck across to O’Brien, who spun and fired it past Brändli to give the United States a 2-0 lead. “I just saw a big scrum in front of the net, I knew I should try to make some space for my linemates and just find the backdoor,” O’Brien explained during the second intermission. “And luckily the puck popped right out and just put it in. I got lucky.” The fourth line struck again in the third period, with O’Brien and Eden helping set the table for Simms’ first goal of the tournament. O’Brien’s opportunities don’t appear to be limited to even strength, either. Wroblewski sent the Sirens forward out for USA’s only power play of the game, alongside Harvey, Simms, Laila Edwards, and Joy Dunne. O’Brien won the faceoff and slid over to the left wing, registering a secondary assist when she fed Harvey for a shot from the point that Edwards deflected in at 12:56. All told, it’s hard to imagine a playing environment better suited for O’Brien’s game. File this away as an encouraging sign for her Olympic dreams in 2030. Elisa Holopainen flashing offensive talents with Team Finland O’Brien isn’t the only Sirens forward who showcased her talents Friday in group-stage play. Elisa Holopainen opened the scoring for Finland in a 4-1 win over host Denmark, unleashing a blistering wrist shot from the low slot that beat goalie Emma-Sofie Nordstrom top shelf. The 24-year-old has been on a tear — to put it mildly. Holopainen dominated the final two legs of the 2026 Women’s Euro Hockey Tour, tallying five goals and seven points in six games. She also chipped in six points during her seven-game SDHL stint with Frölunda HC from Sept. 9 to Oct. 18. New York is hoping to see more of the same from its 2026 second-round pick when the 2026-27 PWHL campaign kicks off in December. Holopainen figures to be an exciting addition to the top six, boasting high-end speed and a dangerous shot. If her scoring touch translates, the Sirens will have landed a steal at No. 19 overall. Canada wise to take cautious approach with Sirens star Sarah Fillier Sirens fans were able to breathe a sigh of relief after Team Canada general manager Danièle Sauvageau announced that star forward Sarah Fillier is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury. “Things are looking good,” Sauvageau told Karissa Donkin of CBC Sports on Tuesday. “It’s on a good track, a positive track.” Fillier exited Canada’s exhibition game against the United States last week after taking a hit from USA defender Megan Keller and falling awkardly into the boards. Fortunately, the injury doesn’t appear likely to sideline her for the start of the PWHL season. Still, Fillier didn’t dress in Canada’s World Championship opener. All things considered, that’s likely the best course of action — for both the national team and the Sirens. Canada has more than enough talent to survive without her, as evidenced by a decisive 5-1 victory over Sweden on Friday, and there’s little point in risking reinjury during group stage play. If Fillier remains inactive for an elimination game, that’s a different story. But until then, there’s little cause for concern. Related Headlines NY Giants Fans Get Terrible Week 9 Updates on Rumored Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry & Tony Pollard Trades LIVE WWE Crown Jewel Results & Highlights: Who Won the Men’s & Women’s Crown Jewel Belts? College Football Games Today: TV Info, Kickoff Times for Week 10 CFB Schedule, including Miami vs Notre Dame Read more at Sportsnaut