The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced that Nicole Gosling of the Montréal Victoire, Casey O’Brien of the New York Sirens, and Haley Winn of the Boston Fleet have been voted as the three finalists for the 2026 PWHL Rookie of the Year award presented by Ally Financial.

The PWHL Rookie of the Year award presented by Ally Financial is awarded to the player who showcases the most outstanding ability throughout their first regular season of professional play. Players eligible must be competing in their first season of professional hockey in North America and begin the season in their 25th birth year or younger. For Season Three, 2000-born players are eligible for the Rookie of the Year award.

HALEY WINN, BOSTON FLEET

Winn translated her game seamlessly to the professional level, providing Boston with steady offensive support and reliable play from the blue line throughout her rookie campaign. The second overall pick produced 19 points in 30 games, tied for second among rookies and third among all PWHL defenders, while her five goals set a new rookie record among rearguards. The former Golden Knight registered a point in 16 contests—tied for the second-most such games by a defender, while the second-place Fleet posted a 10-3-2-1 record (.792) in those outings. Special-teams play further underscored her effectiveness, as Winn’s five power-play assists ranked third among rookie skaters and, along with one power-play goal, factored into six of Boston’s 13 goals with the player advantage. The Rochester, NY native also brought a consistent physical presence, recording a hit and a blocked shot in 18 games—tying for the second-most such performances among all skaters and the most among rookies. Winn added a four-game assist streak from March 21 to 29, the second-longest by a rookie this season, while also scoring twice during that span. She finished the year with 92 shots on goal—most in her draft class and second most among defenders—and logged 802:42 of ice time to pace all PWHL skaters. 

NICOLE GOSLING, MONTRÉAL VICTOIRE

Gosling is one of the first two defenders to be named a finalist for the award, alongside Winn, her defensive partner at Clarkson University. The fourth overall pick had an impressive campaign on Montréal’s blue line, leading the team’s defense and tying for second in rookie scoring with 19 points in 30 games, while posting a plus-16 rating that led all PWHL rearguards and highlighted her effective two-way presence. Gosling closed the season with 16 assists, second most among rookie skaters and all league defenders, including seven power-play helpers, which ranked second overall among all skaters. She led the Victoire with an average time on ice of 21:17 and played a pivotal role on the team’s power play, setting a PWHL record among rookie defenders with eight power-play points—contributing to half of Montréal’s 16 goals with the player advantage. The London, ON native capped the regular season with a six-game point streak (1G, 7A) to help the Victoire solidify their first-place standing, and a league-best nine-game point streak on the road (11A), finishing just one game shy of Sarah Fillier’s all-time PWHL record of 10 consecutive road games with a point (2024-25).

CASEY O’BRIEN, NEW YORK SIRENS

O’Brien emerged as a vital piece of New York’s offense this season after being selected third overall in the 2025 PWHL Draft, delivering timely scoring and setting new benchmarks for first-year players. The former Wisconsin Badger led all rookie skaters with 22 points in 28 games, including seven goals, which tied for second in her collegiate draft class, and 15 assists to lead all rookie forwards. She was among the league’s most consistent newcomers, recording at least one point in 17 games and producing four multi-point performances, both the most among rookies. On special teams, the 24-year-old was one of three rookies to score a shorthanded goal and led all rookies with three power-play markers. O’Brien scored a hat trick in her eighth career game, becoming the only rookie and one of just six players overall to record a three-goal performance this season, as well as the third rookie all-time to do so. At the faceoff dot, she set a new PWHL single-season record for rookies with 266 wins on 496 draws—68 more than the previous record. In a full-circle moment, the Manhattan-born forward capped a career-best five-game point streak on April 4 at Madison Square Garden, assisting on the game-tying goal that helped keep the Sirens alive before their eventual shootout victory.  

A selection committee cast their votes for six regular-season PWHL awards, including Rookie of the Year, along with the league’s First and Second All-Star Teams and an All-Rookie Team, between the conclusion of regular season and the commencement of playoffs. The three players that received the most voting points for Rookie of the Year have been named finalists. Winners of all PWHL Awards will be announced on June 16 in Detroit.

Last season, New York’s Sarah Fillier was the recipient of the Rookie of the Year award, voted over finalists Jenn Gardiner (MTL) and Gwyneth Philips (OTT).

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced the PWHL Starting Six for May, recognizing the top three forwards, two defenders and one goaltender based on their performance over the previous month, including the postseason game played on April 30. Forwards are selected regardless of position. The PWHL Starting Six is voted on each month by the Women’s Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) and PWHL broadcast personnel.​ 

The PWHL Starting Six have been recognized as: Rebecca Leslie (F – Ottawa Charge), Marie-Philip Poulin (F – Montréal Victoire), Abby Roque (F – Montréal Victoire), Maggie Flaherty (D – Montréal Victoire), Sidney Morin (D – Minnesota Frost), Ann-Renée Desbiens (G – Montréal Victoire).

REBECCA LESLIE, F, OTTAWA CHARGE

Leslie was a key driver of the Charge’s playoff push, registering a team-high six points in eight games (4G, 2A), double her previous postseason high from 2025. The 30-year-old finished tied-for-first with four playoff goals and fourth among all playoff skaters in points. She joined Michela Cava as one of only two players on Ottawa’s playoff roster with at least 10 career postseason points, becoming one of eight players all-time to reach the double-digit milestone. The highlight of the Ottawa, ON native’s third playoff campaign came in front of a record hometown crowd at Canadian Tire Centre, when she netted the first game-winning goal of her postseason career to complete Ottawa’s comeback win in the final minute of regulation in Game 3 of the PWHL Walter Cup Finals against Montréal. Leslie also posted the fourth-most shots on goal (21) and a 19.0 shooting percentage, which ranked fourth among players with at least 10 shots on goal. 

MARIE-PHILIP POULIN, F, MONTRÉAL VICTOIRE

Poulin delivered a standout postseason performance that earned her the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP award, co-leading the league with eight points (2G, 6A) in nine games. Her total tied the PWHL record for most points in a single playoff campaign, matching marks reached by Roque, Lee Stecklein (2025), Cava (2024), and Taylor Heise (2024). Each of her two goals were game-winning tallies in the semifinal series against Minnesota, and her six assists led the league and matched the single-postseason record set by Heise and Claire Thompson in 2025. The Montréal captain also recorded 28 shots on goal, tied with linemate Laura Stacey for the most among playoff skaters. At the faceoff dot, she registered 85 wins in 156 attempts, ranking third in the postseason. Poulin is now one of 14 members of the PWHL’s Triple Gold Club, a group comprised of players who have won a Walter Cup, Olympic gold, and World Championship gold medal in their careers. 

ABBY ROQUE, F, MONTRÉAL VICTOIRE

Roque made an immediate impact in her first-ever playoff campaign, tying Poulin for the league lead and PWHL postseason record with eight points (4G, 4A). The 28-year-old’s four goals tied for most in the playoffs, while her four assists tied for second in the league with Stacey. Roque scored all four of her postseason goals against Ottawa, half of which counted as game winners—matching the league high for a single playoff campaign (Emily Clark – 2025; Susanna Tapani – 2024). She recorded multi-goal performances in Game 1 of the finals and the Walter Cup-clinching Game 4, becoming just the second player in PWHL history to record a pair of multi-goal postseason games, and the first to do so in a single series. Roque posted the highest shooting percentage among players with more than three shots on goal (26.7), led the league in hits (19), and was one of only two players to score a shorthanded goal this postseason. 

MAGGIE FLAHERTY, D, MONTRÉAL VICTOIRE

Flaherty became the first three-time Walter Cup champion in PWHL history, earning her Victoire title following back-to-back wins with the Frost. The 25-year-old recorded her strongest postseason yet, tallying three goals and one assist in nine games to tie for the scoring lead among defenders. Her three goals ranked second among league rearguards and nearly matched her career-high of four goals in 30 regular-season games in 2025-26. The Lakeville, MN native recorded 16 shots on goal—one more than her combined total from the 2024 and 2025 playoffs—and tied for third at her position. She was one of four defenders with a game-winning goal this postseason, netting Montréal’s overtime winner in Game 2 of the final series. Flaherty now leads all PWHL defenders with five career game-winning goals, including two in the postseason.

SIDNEY MORIN, D, MINNESOTA FROST

Morin made an instrumental impact, scoring four of the Frost’s 10 goals in five games this postseason to tie Stecklein’s PWHL record for most goals by a defender in a single playoff run. The 30-year-old’s four goals matched her career regular-season total across 84 games and earned her a share of the league lead, while her four points also co-led all defenders. She opened her postseason with a shorthanded goal in Game 1 of the semifinals, becoming the first defender and one of only four players in league history to record a ‘jailbreak’ goal in the playoffs, and is the only player in PWHL history to register a power-play, shorthanded, and game-winning goal in a single postseason. The Minnetonka, MN native led all playoff defenders with 0.80 points per game and a 21.1 shooting percentage, and tied Nicole Gosling for the positional lead with 19 shots on goal.

ANN-RENÉE DESBIENS, G, MONTRÉAL VICTOIRE

Desbiens produced a stellar playoff campaign, setting a new single-postseason record with eight consecutive games allowing two or fewer goals. The 32-year-old from Clermont, QC led playoff goaltenders with a 1.40 goals-against average and .944 save percentage, both postseason career highs. She surpassed 2,000 career saves and led all playoff netminders with 234 saves on 248 shots faced, both of which rank as the third-highest totals all-time in their respective categories. Desbiens was the only goaltender to record a shutout this postseason and became the first to post two shutouts in a single playoff run since Nicole Hensley, Maddie Rooney, and Kristen Campbell in 2024. The Victoire netminder is also one of five Montréal players to join the Triple Gold Club, highlighting a career that includes a Walter Cup, Olympic gold, and World Championship gold medal.

The Boston Fleet have named François Méthot as the team’s head coach ahead of the 2026-27 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season. Méthot brings more than 11 years of coaching and player development experience to the Fleet, with a proven track record of advancing athletes’ on-ice performance and building successful programs. 

He most recently served three seasons as the General Manager and Head Coach of the Rochester Jr. Americans of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), leading the expansion franchise to a 110-51-17 record and a division championship in its second season. Alongside his time behind the bench, he trained and developed collegiate and professional players in the NCAA, PWHL, NHL and beyond, including Fleet defender Haley Winn.

“François stood out throughout the process because of his clear vision for our team and commitment to player development, along with his ability to communicate and build strong relationships,” said Boston Fleet General Manager Danielle Marmer. “He has a proven track record of developing elite players on both the men’s and women’s sides of the game, including NHL and PWHL athletes. His perspective is shaped by a 17-year professional playing career and extensive experience developing players at every level. François’ approach aligns closely with the culture, standards, and pursuit of excellence that define the Boston Fleet. We’re excited to welcome him to Boston as we continue building on the strong foundation already in place and pursue our goal of bringing home a Walter Cup.” 

While serving as the Hockey Director for the Rochester Jr. Americans youth hockey program, Méthot oversaw 65 teams, establishing the organization’s development philosophy, and launched a girls hockey program that has since grown to eight teams. The Montréal native also founded the Rochester Ice Center Hockey Academy in 2017, where he has worked extensively with elite junior, collegiate and professional players, and has served as a skills coach at the NHL’s Nashville Predators development camp. 

“I am thrilled to join the Boston Fleet as Head Coach,” said Méthot. “This organization has tremendous momentum following an outstanding season, and I’m excited to build upon the strong culture and foundation already in place. I look forward to working alongside this talented group of players and staff as we pursue a championship and continue the proud tradition of excellence that defines Boston sports.”

Before beginning his coaching career, Méthot enjoyed a 17-year professional playing career, including 11 seasons in Germany’s Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) and six seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) after being selected 54th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1996 NHL Draft.

The Fleet announced on Wednesday that the team has protected Captain Megan Keller, fellow defender Haley Winn and goaltender Aerin Frankel as part of the PWHL’s Expansion Roster Distribution Process.

Boston Fleet are accepting deposits for season ticket memberships for the 2026-27 season. For more information and to place your deposit visit our website.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has confirmed protection lists from its eight existing teams, with each team protecting three players as part of Phase 1 of the Expansion Roster Distribution Process. With protection lists finalized at today’s 5 p.m. ET deadline, the league’s four expansion teams in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose will begin to build their 2026-27 rosters from the remaining pool of eligible players. Phase 2 of the process begins on Friday, June 5 at 12 p.m. ET with the Expansion Team Foundational Signing Period, during which each expansion team will add five players to its roster.

PROTECTION LISTS

Boston Fleet: Aerin Frankel (G), Megan Keller (D), Haley Winn (D)

Minnesota Frost: *Taylor Heise (F), *Kelly Pannek (F), Maddie Rooney (G)

Montréal Victoire: Ann-Renée Desbiens (G), Marie-Philip Poulin (F), Laura Stacey (F)

New York Sirens: Sarah Fillier (F), Kristýna Kaltounková (F), **Casey O’Brien (F)

Ottawa Charge: Rebecca Leslie (F), Gwyneth Philips (G), Ronja Savolainen (D)

Seattle Torrent: *Alex Carpenter (F), Hannah Murphy (G), Anna Wilgren (D)

Toronto Sceptres: *Renata Fast (D), *Raygan Kirk (G), Ella Shelton (D)

Vancouver Goldeneyes: Sophie Jaques (D), Emerance Maschmeyer (G), *Sarah Nurse (F)

*Signed during Phase 1 and protected

** Received qualifying offer during Phase 1 and rights are protected

During Phase 1 of the roster distribution process, each of the eight existing PWHL teams protected three players under contract for the 2026-27 season. Players on expiring contracts were eligible to sign with any existing team during this phase, with any signing automatically counting as one of that team’s three protections. 

UP NEXT — PHASE 2: EXPANSION TEAM FOUNDATIONAL SIGNING PERIOD – JUNE 5 (12 P.M. ET) TO JUNE 8 (1 P.M. ET)

Phase 2 of the Expansion Player Distribution Process takes place from June 5-8 and allows each expansion team to build the foundation of its roster by acquiring five players through signings and, if necessary, a player selection process. Existing teams can lose a maximum of three players who are under contract for the 2026-27 season during this phase.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced the appointment of Meghan Duggan to the position of General Manager for PWHL Hamilton. A skilled executive and one of the most decorated players in U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team history, Duggan joins PWHL Hamilton after five years with the New Jersey Devils, most recently as Director of Player Development, while also holding roles with the PWHL as a Special Consultant to Hockey Operations and member of the league’s Player Safety Committee.

“Meghan has been an effective leader at every stage of her career, and she is a rising star in the front office ranks,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. “Meghan’s long list of on-ice achievements, coupled with her extensive background in development and community-building, make her a seamless fit to guide PWHL Hamilton into its first season.”

Duggan has worked with the PWHL since 2024, including coaching Team Kloss during the league’s 3-on-3 Showcase at NHL All-Star Weekend festivities in Toronto in February 2024. Her involvement with the PWHL was a natural continuation of a journey that began in 2019, when she helped found the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), the organization whose advocacy gave rise to today’s league. A native of Danvers, MA, Duggan completed her prior PWHL responsibilities while working for the Devils. She began her career in New Jersey in May 2021 as Manager, Player Development before ascending to Director of Player Development in May 2022.

“I’m incredibly honored and energized to join PWHL Hamilton as General Manager,” said Duggan. “This league represents the future of women’s professional sports and the opportunity to help build a team, culture, and identity from the ground up is a privilege. I’ve always believed winning cultures are developed through a commitment to strong relationships, trust, accountability, and consistent daily habits, and these principles will guide everything we do. Hamilton is a passionate sports city with a rich hockey tradition, and my goal is to create an environment where players can thrive and compete for a championship. I’m grateful to the PWHL for their trust in me to lead this expansion team and I’m eager to get to work!” 

Duggan has previously served on the USA Hockey Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Women’s Advisory Committee. She was part of the inaugural group that was named to the NHL’s Player Inclusion Committee and has held various roles with the Women’s Sports Foundation. A longtime mentor and motivational speaker, Duggan has used her platform to focus on gender equality, diversity & inclusion, leadership, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and teamwork.

Across a 14-year career with Team USA, Duggan became one of the most prolific members in the team’s storied history. She won eleven medals at three Winter Olympics (one gold, two silver) and eight IIHF Women’s World Championships (seven gold, one silver). Duggan capped off her National Team career as captain of the gold medal-winning squad at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. At the University of Wisconsin, Duggan led the Badgers to three National Championships and won the 2011 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, later being inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Duggan will be tasked with building a hockey operations staff and leading the roster building process for PWHL Hamilton’s inaugural 2026-27 season, including the 2026 PWHL Draft on June 17 in Detroit. All phases of the comprehensive roster building process will be finalized and announced by the league in the coming weeks.

Meghan Turner, Seattle Torrent General Manager, today announced the team and Head Coach Steve O’Rourke have parted ways. 

“We are grateful to Steve for his contributions to the Seattle Torrent during our inaugural season. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future,” said Turner.  

  The Torrent will begin the search for their next Head Coach immediately.  

Seattle finished its inaugural season in eighth place in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) standings with 31 points and an overall record of 8-1-5-16.