The New York Sirens headed into their second PWHL season with a strong matchup, facing the Seattle Torrent in one of their most anticipated early games of the year.

We spoke with VIS Mentor and Sirens forward Elle Hartje to gain some insight into the team’s identity and mindset for this season. 

Elle’s Growth

Making the transition from college athletics to the pros has been a big adjustment for Hartje. After a record-breaking career at Yale where she shattered the program’s all-time scoring record, served as team captain, and surpassed her personal and program record for most assists in a season, she is learning to trust her instincts and play with more freedom.

“I realized that the mindset I carried in college, where I expected myself to be perfect all the time, wasn’t sustainable here. Letting go of perfection and focusing on growth has made me a better athlete,” she says.

Her new approach to the season has allowed her to trust her own decisions on the ice and step into a bigger role, leading by example as she enters her second PWHL season. 

Heading into the PWHL from the NCAA meant that Hartje needed to shift her mindset. “Making the jump from college to the PWHL really forced me to adjust my expectations. This league is full of the best players in the world; every single line is made up of women who were the 'go-to' players on their college teams. The standard is incredibly high, and everyone's competing, battling, and pushing each other every single day,” she says.  

“Letting go of perfection and focusing on growth has made me a better athlete.”

VIS Mentor Elle Hartje

The Sirens’ Identity 

Hartje’s post-perfectionist mindset and commitment to bettering herself have helped shape The Sirens’ team culture from the start. Along with Hartje, Sarah Fillier and Taylor Girard, two more of the best players in the PWHL, guide The Sirens. 

Even though the Sirens are a newer franchise in the league, the players have quickly committed to the program, building a culture full of accountability, competition, and support.

“Everyone bought into the same standards and the same vision, and that made the transition seamless. What people don’t always see is how much fun we have together away from the cameras—the locker room energy, the small moments at practice, and the way we show up for each other. That kind of culture is hard to manufacture, and it’s something I think will give us an edge as the season goes on,” Hartje explains.

Hartje says the Sirens’ shared mindset shows up every time they step on the ice to compete. “Heading into Seattle, I think fans will see a faster, more connected version of us—using our speed, creativity, and compete to push the pace. We’re growing every single day, one practice and one game at a time,” she says. 

“What people don’t always see is how much fun we have together away from the cameras—the locker room energy, the small moments at practice, and the way we show up for each other. That kind of culture is hard to manufacture, and it’s something I think will give us an edge as the season goes on.”

VIS Mentor Elle Hartje

Game Day vs. Seattle 

The Sirens took the ice against the Seattle Torrent on December 3rd, looking to play fast and united as a team. Just three minutes into the first period, Paetyn Levis had an early goal assisted by Jincy Roese, putting New York on the board. 

Despite this early lead, the Sirens weren’t able to hold on. In the third period, both Alex Carpenter and Hilary Knight had goals that ultimately sealed the win for Seattle. 

But team cultures aren’t built on one game—win or lost.  The Sirens showed great early energy, pace, and execution throughout the entire game, proving how good this team can be when they play together. Their grit and resilience shone throughout the game and reminds us all that every game is part of something bigger to raise the standard for what VISibility in women’s hockey looks like.