Fleet’s Megan Keller, Haley Winn named PWHL Defender of the Year finalists

Hardware might be on the way for a pair of Boston Fleet defenders.

Megan Keller and Haley Winn were named two of the three finalists for PWHL Defender of the Year, the league announced Wednesday. Sophie Jaques of the Vancouver Goldeneyesrounded out the nominees.

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Keller was previously a finalist in 2024. Her 22 points this season tied a record for a defender. She was an offensive dynamo, finishing with the second-most goals (seven) and third-most assists (15) among blue liners. She also led all defenders with three game-winning tallies.

Averaging a staggering 26:40 of ice time per game, the Fleet’s captain posted the second-highest mark of all skaters, behind only Winn.

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Winn made an immediate impact in her rookie season. The Fleet selected Winn second overall and the former Clarkson star settled in to the professional level nicely, recording 19 points, good for third among defenders this season. Her point total was tied for the most among rookies, the highest mark the league has seen in its three seasons. Winn’s five goals set a league record for most among rookie defenders. She also became the first rookie to lead the league in time on ice, with 26:45 per game.

The winner will be announced June 16 in Detroit.

Toronto’s Renata Fast won the award last season, beating out Jacques and Minnesota’s Claire Thompson.

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