By: Kelsea Durham | Follow me on Twitter/X @kelseadurham
Every season brings new faces, and the Boston Fleet’s 2025–26 rookie class made the most of its opportunities. From earning regular minutes to stepping up in key moments, each rookie played a role in shaping the team’s season.
Before the Fleet welcome their 2026–27 rookie class, here’s a look back at how each newcomer performed during their first year in the PWHL. From game-clinching moments to big-moment saves, this draft class was one for the books.
Haley Winn, Defender
Haley Winn needs little introduction. Her rookie season was nothing short of remarkable. Selected by Boston with the second overall pick in the first round of the 2025 PWHL Draft, Winn quickly established herself as one of the league’s top young defenders. After helping Team USA capture Olympic gold, she capped off her impressive campaign by being named the PWHL Rookie of the Year.
In 30 regular-season games, Winn recorded five goals and 14 assists for 19 points. Her point total ranked fourth on the Fleet and tied for second among all PWHL rookies, finishing just three points behind New York’s Casey O’Brien. Winn joined Boston after a standout four-year career at Clarkson University, where she totaled 131 points (37 goals, 94 assists) in 151 games. She scored her first PWHL goal on Dec. 27 against the Ottawa Charge in a 3–2 shootout loss.
Ella Huber, Forward
Selected 10th overall in the second round, Ella Huber brought speed and scoring ability to the Fleet lineup. During her rookie season, Huber recorded four goals and two assists in 30 regular-season games before adding two assists in four playoff contests.
Prior to turning pro, Huber starred at the University of Minnesota, where she recorded 140 points (52 goals, 88 assists) in 157 games. She also represented Team USA at the 2020 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, winning a gold medal while recording one goal in five games.
Huber’s offseason was eventful. During expansion, she signed a one-year contract with PWHL Detroit before being traded back to Boston the following day. Although her rookie numbers only tell part of the story, three of her four goals were game winners, highlighting her ability to deliver in clutch moments.
Olivia Mobley, Forward
Olivia Mobley was selected 18th overall in the third round of the 2025 PWHL Draft after a collegiate career that included stops at Quinnipiac, Ohio State, and Minnesota Duluth. Across 165 NCAA games, Mobley recorded 136 points (61 goals, 75 assists) and helped Ohio State capture the 2024 National Championship.
She appeared in 10 regular-season games during her rookie campaign, scoring three goals and adding two assists. Mobley wasted little time making an impact, scoring her first professional goal in just her second career game against the Minnesota Frost.
Riley Brengman, Defender
Boston selected Riley Brengman with the 26th overall pick in the fourth round. The two-time NCAA National Champion spent her entire collegiate career at Ohio State, appearing in 168 games while recording 61 points (14 goals, 47 assists). She also represented Team USA during the 2022–23 Rivalry Series against Canada.
Brengman suited up for 28 regular-season games with the Fleet, tallying two goals and one assist while providing steady depth on the blue line. Following the season, Brengman signed a two-year contract with PWHL Hamilton during expansion.
Abby Newhook, Forward
Abby Newhook quickly became one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft. Selected in the fifth round, Newhook was already familiar to Boston hockey fans after four seasons at Boston College. During her collegiate career, she recorded 99 points (51 goals, 48 assists) in 130 games and ranked fifth in Hockey East in faceoff wins during her junior season.
She carried that momentum into the professional ranks, finishing her rookie season with seven goals and seven assists in 29 regular-season games. She also recorded her first career playoff point with an assist.
Newhook’s 14 points ranked fifth among all PWHL rookies, earning her a spot on the league’s All-Rookie Team alongside teammate Haley Winn. She was also one of Boston’s protected players during expansion, and on July 15 the Fleet recognized her breakout season by signing her to a two-year contract.
Amanda Thiele, Goaltender
Amanda Thiele was selected in the sixth round after an outstanding career at Ohio State University. Over four collegiate seasons, she appeared in 102 games and compiled a 74-16-3 record with a .914 save percentage. During her senior season, she set the Buckeyes’ single-season wins record with 20 victories.
Although she appeared in just one game during her rookie campaign, Thiele made the most of her opportunity. Making her PWHL debut on March 29 against the Minnesota Frost, she stopped all but two shots in a 4–2 victory to finish the season with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. More importantly, this win secured a playoff berth for the Fleet, making it one of the biggest moments of Boston’s regular season.
Boston’s 2025–26 rookie class proved to be one of the franchise’s strongest to date. Haley Winn emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars, Abby Newhook established herself as a key offensive contributor, and players like Ella Huber, Olivia Mobley, Riley Brengman, and Amanda Thiele each made meaningful impacts when their opportunities came.
While expansion has already reshaped parts of the roster, this rookie class helped lay the foundation for the Fleet’s future. As Boston prepares to welcome another group of newcomers for the 2026–27 season, the standard has already been set by a class that left its mark in its very first year.
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