Sirens, Noora Tulus mutually agree to terminate PWHL contract

One of the best European players in the game is heading back overseas.

On Sunday, the New York Sirens officially announced that the team has mutually agreed to terminate the contract of forward Noora Tulus. With that, Tulus signed with Brynäs IF of the SDHL, Sweden’s top women’s league.

Tulus, who was taken in the third round, 13th overall, of the 2024 PWHL Draft, had one more year remaining on the contract she signed almost one year to the day.

The Finnish star came to the young league with immense expectations that she could be the same offensive star she was with a dominant Luleå team in Sweden. Unfortunately, whether it be not gaining the trust of head coach Greg Fargo and his staff, or not being able to adapt to the North American game, Tulus struggled with a New York team that ended up finishing last in the PWHL for the second year in a row.

In 30 games, the 29-year-old scored a measly goal and an assist for two points, with a -12 plus/minus rating. Her playing time was limited for much of the season, playing more than 15 minutes in a game just twice.

It was rumored a couple of months ago that Tulus would be leaving the Sirens. According to Swedish outlet NSD, Luleå was interested in reacquiring Tulus. However, the opportunity to rejoin longtime teammate Viivi Vanikka with Brynäs seemed to be too good to pass up.

In her extensive experience in the SDHL, Tulus was a dominant force. In four of her nine seasons with Luleå, the 28-year-old reached the 40-point mark, including a career-best season in 2023-24. Tulus scored 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points, earning her the title as the league’s top scorer. Her efforts helped lead the club to a sixth straight SDHL Championship, and the seventh of her career.

The Vantaa native has also represented her country at the IIHF Women’s World Championships eight times and played at the 2018 and 2022 Olympic Games–taking home bronze both times. She helped Suomi win bronze at the Women’s Worlds four times, including silver in the infamous 2019 World Championship Gold Medal Game.

With Tulus leaving New York, the Sirens now have just eight forwards, and 15 of a possible 23 players, signed to standard contracts for next season, highlighted by the reigning PWHL Rookie of the Year, Sarah Fillier. They have yet to sign many of their draft picks, including No. 1 overall pick Kristyna Kaltounkova.