New York Sirens place Ella Shelton on long-term injured reserve with lower-body injury
One of the best players in the game is going to be on the shelf for a little bit.
On Friday, the New York Sirens of the PWHL placed defender Ella Shelton on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury. In response, the Sirens signed defender Olivia Knowles to a standard player agreement (SPA) for the 2024-25 season.
The team revealed that Shelton suffered the injury during New York’s season-opening overtime win this past Sunday against the defending Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost, in which she picked up an assist. Shelton’s ailment kept her out of the lineup for the Sirens’ 4-1 win over the Montreal Victoire on Wednesday. The team hasn’t announced exactly when or what Shelton has hurt, nor the extent of her injury.
Per the PWHL’s LTIR rules, Shelton must be out of the lineup for 21 days retroactive to the injury. She will be eligible to return on Dec. 29 when the Sirens host the Ottawa Charge.
The Sirens were forced to go elsewhere to add a defender to the roster, as Kayla Vespa was the only player on their reserve list to start the year. She was signed to a contract on Wednesday.
Shelton is the second player this week to be placed on LTIR. Forward Jill Saulnier was put on the shelf with an upper-body injury also suffered against the Frost.
Shelton is unquestionably one of the best blueliners in the game. A mainstay on the Canadian National Team, the Ingersoll, Ontario native is an exceptional player at both ends of the rink. Her offensive gifts resulted in her leading all PWHL defenders in goals (7) and points (21) during the inaugural season, making her a candidate for Defender of the Year.
Olivia Knowles was signed off the Toronto Sceptres’ reserve player list. Having yet to play a game this year, the 25-year-old was a consistent presence on Toronto’s blue line in 2024. She played in 20 of the 24 regular season games and all five of the team’s semifinal series against Minnesota. Knowles posted just one assist in the league’s first year.
Despite losing Shelton, general manager Pascal Daoust admitted there’s much to like about the former Minnesota Golden Gopher.
“How could we not be thrilled to welcome another former team captain to the New York Sirens family,” Daoust said in a release. “Beyond her leadership, Olivia brings invaluable experience along with a physical and efficient style of play — essential qualities to compete at the highest level the PWHL has reached.”
The Sirens (1-1-0-0) are scheduled to visit the Boston Fleet on Sunday afternoon.