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New York Sirens Honor Puerto Rico Women's
- PRIHA Hockey Administration
- 26 minutes ago
- 4 min read
New York Sirens Honor Puerto Rico Women’s National Team During Hispanic Heritage Night
The New York Sirens of the Professional Women’s Hockey League welcomed the Puerto Rico Women’s National Ice Hockey Team to their Hispanic Heritage Celebration this past January 16th—recognizing our recent international success and celebrating PRIHA as a growing force in the global hockey community.
The evening honored Puerto Rico’s gold-medal performance at the IIHF Women’s 3-on-3 Series this past November, where the team captured gold in dramatic fashion. Two of the players recognized on the ice—Estela Vazquez and Jocelyn Modl—were key contributors to that championship run.
A Moment at Center Ice
Puerto Rico National Team standouts Estela Vazquez and Jocelyn Modl were invited to perform the ceremonial puck drop—an honor that reflected both their on-ice excellence and the broader growth of women’s hockey.
Both athletes were members of Puerto Rico’s gold-medal–winning IIHF 3-on-3 team in Argentina. Estela Vazquez was also named Top Goaltender of the Tournament.
For Jocelyn, the moment carried deep personal meaning.
“Growing up, professional women’s hockey was just a dream for me. Being part of the inaugural puck-drop for the PWHL New York Sirens showed me that dream is now a reality. Today, this new generation of young girls no longer has to just dream—they can work towards and achieve their goals in ways we could only imagine. It’s tangible now, and I’m deeply grateful to the PWHL and NHL for making this inspiring moment possible.” - Jocelyn Modl
When I stepped onto the ice with Joc and fist bumped all the Sirens players, it felt electric. Having just achieved such a great award and getting to show off to fans that Puerto Ricans can play hockey was the best part. Meeting pros face to face and getting congratulated by them really made me think about the start of things with PRIHA. When I joined in 2023, there were limited players. Then as I kept leveling up in the program, more and more players started to come to the program, especially women. Seeing how many participants we now have on the women’s side of PRIHA makes me feel accomplished. Our win inspired others to try something new, something different, to make an impact. The whole experience of going out there showing others that Puerto Ricans can play hockey has grown the organization, and that’s the goal.
- Estela Vazquez
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond the ceremonial puck drop, several of PRIHA’s younger players experienced a moment they will never forget—serving as anthem buddies, standing on the ice alongside professional players during the national anthem.
For these young athletes, it was more than a pre-game experience. It was a glimpse into what is possible.
Seeing women who share their heritage, wear national-team jerseys, and compete at the highest levels of the sport sends a powerful message: you belong here.
A Shared Commitment to Growing the Game
This celebration was supported by Hannah Beckman, a member of the Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association who works with the New York Sirens, helped organize the celebration and bring this meaningful connection to life.
“Celebrating the growth of hockey, especially the success of the Puerto Rican national team, on the PWHL and Sirens’ stage is truly an honor and a special moment. For me, it’s a full-circle experience and a testament to the league’s commitment to growing the game in new places. As a proud Puerto Rican and a national team alum, I’m incredibly proud to bring these two worlds together.”
-Hannah Beckman
Moments like these reflect the shared values between PRIHA and the PWHL—expanding access, honoring culture, and creating visible pathways for girls and women in hockey.
More Than a Night—A Statement
Hispanic Heritage Night with the New York Sirens was not just a celebration of past success—it was a statement about the future of women’s hockey.
One that is more inclusive, more global, and filled with opportunity.
We are deeply grateful to the New York Sirens, the PWHL, and everyone involved for recognizing our athletes and our program. Experiences like this ensure that the next generation doesn’t just dream about hockey—they can see themselves in it.
About Puerto Rico Ice Hockey (PRIHA)
Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association (PRIHA) is the governing body for ice hockey in Puerto Rico, dedicated to growing the game through youth development, national team programs, and international competition. PRIHA oversees men’s, women’s, and youth national teams, providing opportunities for athletes to represent Puerto Rico on the global stage while fostering values of integrity, inclusion, and pride in heritage. Through community partnerships and international events, PRIHA continues to expand access to hockey and inspire the next generation of players both on and off the island. For more information on how to register for PRIHA as a player or volunteer, visit https://www.puertoricoicehockey.com/register
About the New York Sirens
The New York Sirens are a founding franchise of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Based in New York, the Sirens are committed to elite competition, community engagement, and growing the women’s game at every level. Through initiatives like theme nights, youth outreach, and cultural celebrations, the Sirens aim to create meaningful connections between professional hockey and the communities they represent—both on the ice and beyond. For more information visit https://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/new-york-sirens