Haley Winn’s trophy case is running out of space.
The Rochester native, who helped the United States capture gold in women’s hockey at the Olympics in February, was named the PWHL rookie of the year during an awards ceremony Tuesday in Detroit.
The Boston Fleet defenseman recorded 19 points in 30 games and broke the league’s single-season record for total time on ice at over 800 total minutes (26:45 per game). She is the first defenseman in the three-year history of the PWHL to be named top rookie.
In her acceptance speech, Winn thanked numerous teammates, former coaches, family members and PWHL administration.
“This league really is so special, from the hard-fought battles each night to the amazing people that I’m surrounded by on a daily basis,” Winn said. “I never leave the rink without a smile and I’m so incredibly blessed to be a small part of this journey. I know this is only the beginning.”
Winn was also selected for the PWHL’s All-Rookie Team, and was a Second Team All-Star. The 22-year-old was a finalist for the PWHL’s Defender of the Year, but lost to teammate Megan Keller.
Drafted second overall by the Fleet in the 2025 PWHL draft, Winn spent four seasons as a top defender at Clarkson University where she was the ECAC Player of the Year and first team All-American as a senior in 2024-25.
Winn, who split her childhood between Williamson and Webster, attended Bishop Kearney and was one of several alumni that won gold with the U.S. in Milano Cortina.
The PWHL announced in May that it was adding four teams (Detroit, Las Vegas, San Jose and Hamilton, Ontario) to its previous eight-team league. Winn was one of three players protected by Boston, and therefore not eligible to be selected by one of the four expansion teams.
Justin Ritzel is a sports reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on Section V athletics and high school trends.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Just months after Olympic gold, Rochester’s Winn adds another big award
Reporting by Justin Ritzel, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By Justin Ritzel, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
