By: Kelsea Durham | Follow me on Twitter/X @kelseadurham
Haley Winn was drafted by the Boston Fleet second overall in the 2025 draft. The former Clarkson University Powerhouse has made quite a name for herself in Boston and is a core piece of the defensive line. This two-way player has international games under her belt and two gold medals from the Women’s World Championship, plus another gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Winn is a product of Clarkson University, where she stood as one of the top defenders in the NCAA Division I. As a senior, she was named ECAC Hockey Player of the Year and Defender of the Year. She finished her collegiate career with 130 points (37 goals, 93 assists), ranking second all-time for Clarkson defensemen, just seven points behind Erin Ambrose of the Montreal Victoire. Her ability to impact every zone of the ice made her one of the most anticipated prospects entering the draft class.
Winn made her professional debut for the Fleet on November 23, 2025, where the Fleet won 2-0 over Montreal at home. She led the game in shots on goal with six, and her two-way play was recognized by the organization as well as the fans. Winn was paired with Veteran Fleet captain Megan Keller on the first line throughout the season, creating a defensive pairing that quickly became one of the strongest in the league.
Winn recorded her first point and another on December 7th with two assists in a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Frost. She assisted Ella Huber on her first professional goal on December 17. Winn’s first professional goal came on December 27 against the Ottawa Charge, while the Fleet lost in overtime, her performance was greatly recognized. Through her first eight games, she helped the Fleet to a 6-0-1-1 record to start the season.
As the season progressed, Winn’s skating ability allowed her to quickly transition the puck and create offensive opportunities. On defense, she showed composure while matching up against top forwards around the league. She made a name for herself on the power play and penalty kill special teams.
For Winn, it was her consistency that lifted her up to the top. In high-pressure matchups, she held strong on her line and played with the confidence of a well-seasoned veteran. Her physical play, shot blocking, and ability to read plays before they unfolded became key factors in the Fleet’s defensive success. After one season, Winn has established herself as a cornerstone and the backbone of defensive development for the Fleet for years to come.
Beyond the numbers on the stat sheet, Winn’s impact on the team was backed by the energy she brought every night. Fans embraced her style of play, and her chemistry with Keller gave Boston a reliable blue line.
With success at the collegiate, international, and professional levels on her resume, Winn’s future continues to look bright. As Boston continues to build its roster around young talent and experienced leadership, Haley Winn appears to remain one of the franchise’s most important pieces for years to come.
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