Jessie Eldridge on the Sirens' Start to the Season

The New York Sirens have gotten off to a strong start this season, posting a 2-1-0-1 record in their first four games. Jessie Eldridge has played a significant role in that success along with linemates Alex Carpenter and Sarah Fillier; Eldridge scored the team's first goal of the season and currently sits at 3rd in the league in points (behind only Fillier and Carpenter) and 2nd in assists.

After last Friday's practice, I had a chance to sit down with Jessie Eldridge to chat about season two and the Sirens' hot start.

How are you today?

I'm good, how are you? 

I’m pretty good. So first thing, how are you liking the new practice facilities?

Yeah, it's been amazing, better every day. We get more comfortable, get used to making the drive — no more GPS. So I think it's completely become our home. Love the zoo next door, I’ve been there a couple times. 

Do you have a favorite animal there?

I'm not sure. I’ve fed the giraffes a few times, so that’s been fun. 

So obviously, your line with Sarah Fillier and Alex Carpenter has been doing really well so far. What's it like being able to click so quickly?

Yeah, I think that’s just two of the best players in the world right there. So it’s been pretty special for me to share the ice with them early on […] It's just nice to get some wins on the board and to be able to contribute early has been great. But we know we have a deep team this year, you're going to have your moments feeling good, and we know that's gonna kind of come in ebbs and flows. So, yeah, it’s a good start after a long offseason to kind of get off on the right foot. 

What do you think you as a team need to focus on to keep the success that you have so far going into the season? 

I think just taking it one day at a time. We know where we ended off last year is not where we wanted to be. We've had a lot of changes over the summer too, so coming in a lot of stuff's new, and we're learning a lot. Training Camp was really short. We didn't have too much time practice. So getting into that, a big road trip to start off, so we’re happy with that but not looking too far ahead.

You have this new group, new coaches, some new players. How are you all working together? 

Yeah, Farg’s done an amazing job. I was lucky enough to have him all four years at Colgate, so there was a comfortability for me right away. But I think the girls have just really loved having him around. You could tell he used the offseason as productively as he could, and he was so well prepared. And the draft coming in, and then the staff that we had already, so we’re just really clicking with the group right now. Like I said, one day at a time, but we feel like we're in a good spot.

How did it feel to score the first goal of the season for the Sirens? 

I mean, it was just nice to get on the board. It was a long offseason, a big grind, and just to be able to play games, to get one in is always the cherry on top. But for us to get that win on a tough road game and kind of ruin their banner parade a little bit, was huge, and made our long road trip even better. 

How does a long road trip like that affect you as players and how you look at each game?

Yeah, I think it was a great learning opportunity, especially for some of our rookies on our team, who are maybe used to the college schedule where you play Friday, Saturday, and then have all week and do it again. The pro side of it's a bit different, so it was nice to have early on for everyone to kind of see what they need in those times. To come away with two of the three wins is huge for us too, but just learning what our bodies need through those long weeks, and how do you use that so that once you get low during the season, no one's thinking about that.

Last question, a little bit different--have you played the beauty guru tell in NHL 25?

I haven't yet. I know that's something I'm looking forward to when I get home with my brother and the Xbox. I'm sure we'll have some family games going. But super cool. It's cool to see everyone post about it too. And it’s just a whole other area of visibility for our game, so it’s really fun to see. 

Do you think you’ll play as yourself or someone else?

I don't think I'll play as myself. I'll probably try to squeeze my weaknesses out a little bit.

What are you most looking forward to for this season?

Yeah, I think we just had a great start, we have a great group of people, staff, players. I know our families are excited. And winning always makes everything feel better, so we think we’re doing the right things right now, and really excited to get going.