It’s unusual territory for the Sydney Sirens after four games in the Australian Women’s Ice Hocket League (AWIHL). The defending Joan McKowen Memorial Trophy champions are sitting at the foot of the standings winless after four games.

However, with multiple changes to the 2023/24 roster and some rising young talent starting to find their feet at AWIHL level, the future looks bright.

There might be a different look and feel to this current Sirens roster, but the wheels are starting to turn and there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Hockey Hype Australia looks at four players so far this season which have stood out.

Sarah Edney

It’s no surprise that the Sirens captain makes this list, the veteran forward has started off the AWIHL in blistering form. With nine points (eight goals, one assist) according to esportsdesk, the 30-year-old hasn’t lost her scoring touch.

With a lethal shot, terrific vision and passing ability, Edney has been a standout for a Sirens team that is in somewhat of a rebuild. With the ability to make perfect tape to tape passing through the neutral zone that stretch the opposition defenders, Edney is a handful for any opposition team.

Edney is a true leader, and with departures and retirements during the off season for the Sirens, Edney has risen to the occasion despite the Sirens remaining winless.

Hannah Cryan

One of the brightest young talents in Australia, Cryan has been a shining light for a Sirens team still searching for that first win. Going just under a point per game – three points (one goal, two assists), it’s setting up teammates into dangerous scoring positions which has been noticeable.

Cryan has terrific vision, combined with great forechecking, finds a way to dig the puck out along the boards and feed it into the slot for a scoring opportunity. Throw in the 15-year-olds work ethic across all three zones, and the excitement is rising.

As the Sirens rebuild their roster Cryan will be a major part of the club for the next decade.

Fiona Moon

When it comes to defenders, finding someone who can trap the puck on the blueline is like winning the lotto, and that’s exactly what you get with Moon. The 39-year-oldis in her sixth AWIHL season, and first started playing in 2011 for the Northstar Sirens.

Moon is a veteran presence for the Sirens defensive pairings, positioning well on the blueline to keep the puck in the Sirens offensive zone. And when needed can jump into an attacking play, with two points (two assists) from four games played, Moon is set for a career breaking season.

As the Sirens looks to rebuild their roster Moon is the perfect guiding presence.

Julia Pochini

When you think about Pochini the first thing that comes to mind is work rate. It’s the 31-year-olds debut season in the AWIHL but Pochini is already looking like a veteran of the league. A strong two-way player, Pochini keeps the opposition defence accountable, while also working hard on the backcheck through the neutral zone.

Not afraid to get into the gritty areas around the net or along the boards, Pochini generates offence for the Sirens from working hard on the forecheck to trap defenders in their own zone. With one point (one assist) from four games played, I see that tally rising as the season progresses.

Pochini has been a terrific addition to the Sirens roster.

The Sydney Sirens return to action on December 2 & 3 when they face Adelaide Rush at Macquarie Ice Rink.