New York Sirens place Jill Saulnier on long-term injured reserve with upper-body injury

The New York Sirens have lost one of their more experienced players for the foreseeable future.

On Wednesday, general manager Pascal Daoust announced that forward Jill Saulnier has been placed on long-term injured reserve with an upper-body injury. In response, the Sirens have signed forward Kayla Vespa to a standard player agreement.

Saulnier, a former Canadian National Team veteran, was hurt during New York’s season-opening overtime win this past Sunday against the defending Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost. It hasn’t been revealed when or what she hurt, but it is clearly severe enough to knock the Halifax native out for the next few weeks.

Per the PWHL’s LTIR rules, Saulnier 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.

Saulnier was one of the original members of New York’s roster last year, but injury troubles kept her out for most of the season. She was limited to just 18 games, scoring a goal and an assist.

Saulnier has played for Team Canada at four IIHF Women’s World Championships, winning gold once, and helping her country take home the gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Despite the loss of a notable player, Daoust is excited to see Vespa back in the lineup.

“Through her passion, speed, and consistency, Kayla brings a unique energy to every shift,” Daoust said. “This makes her the kind of teammate you want by your side in battle.”

Vespa started the inaugural 2024 season on New York’s reserve list but was called into action early on and ended up playing most of the campaign. In 23 games, the former St. Lawrence product notched two goals and an assist for three points.

Vespa played three years on the PWHPA Dream Gap Tour before being drafted by New York in the 13th round of the 2023 PWHL Draft.

The Sirens (0-1-0-0) are set to face the Montreal Victoire (0-1-0-0) on Wednesday night. Their first game at their new home, the Prudential Center, won’t be until they host the Toronto Sceptres on Dec. 18.