2025 PWHL Entry Draft Recap: Boston Fleet

The 2025 PWHL Entry Draft took place in Ottawa earlier this week, and the next generation of stars (plus some established big names via trade) have new homes. The Fleet brought six new players into the fold, grabbing three forwards, two defenders, and a goaltender out of the NCAA.

“This was a very exciting night,” Fleet general manager Danielle Marmer said in a post-draft press conference. “I think for us original six teams, it's been quite the month with the expansion and the player signing window… It feels really nice to be able to put some players into positions on our team, fill some holes that we really needed to fill, and feel like we have a pretty complete roster as we sort of head into the offseason and get ready to come back for training camp.”

This was the first year the PWHL draft occurred after free agency (not counting Season 1’s three pre-draft foundational signings). Marmer was thrilled about this change, saying it allowed her to fill holes in her lineup instead of just grabbing players she hoped would have a spot.

“I really believe that because that player signing window happened prior to this draft, this draft is the first of these drafts where we really addressed the needs that we had and filled holes,” Marmer said. “I see every player that I drafted tonight as being somebody who fits into our lineup, whereas in the past, that player signing window has happened after the draft, and so it was really more of a selecting the best player overall or the best player available. And sometimes you swing and we swung a couple times last year. I think of Ilona Markova, for example, as one of those. And so this year, it's exciting to think about [how] all of these players can play a role in our team right”

Those open roles were anything from another elite puck-moving defender to strong two-way forwards to depth options at all positions. Here's what you should know about the players Marmer hopes will fill them.

Round 1, Pick 2: Haley Winn, D, Clarkson University (NCAA)

I expected the Fleet to take Winn with their second overall pick, and that’s just what they did. She was the best defender available in the draft and plays a game that will fit seamlessly into the Fleet lineup. She’s offensively gifted, finishing second in defensive scoring in the NCAA last season, while also not being afraid to throw her body on the line by blocking shots, with 99 in just 38 games last season. It’s not a stretch to imagine her embracing the increased physicality of the PWHL. 

“Haley is a complete player,” Marmer said. “...It's great for Megan Keller, gonna be able to take a load off of her a little bit. She [Winn] can do absolutely everything and anything you need. When we think about who's gonna score goals for us? Haley Winn can be an answer. Who’s gonna defend against Poulin? Haley Winn’s the answer. Who’s gonna run our power play? Haley Winn’s the answer. So she's someone who can do so much for us. She's just such a smart hockey player, makes such good decisions and plays at the highest level and knows how to compete at this level."

Meanwhile, Winn shared at her post-pick press conference that she’s simply excited to get going and is ready to fill whatever role they give her.

“I’m excited to get started and own my role,” Winn said. “Really whatever they need from me, I’m happy and willing to bring. Obviously going to focus on my role defensively, super grateful that they picked a defenseman, so just going to try to lock that down. Then obviously, use my skills and whatever I’ve learned up to this point to contribute offensively as much as I can and just learn from everyone there. And hopefully bring a lot off the ice too, just bring character and love and passion for the game, and hopefully be able to kind of spread that and just build an awesome team.”

The Fleet were sorely in need of another high-end two-way defender, so bringing in Winn is, well, a win.

Round 2, Pick 12: Ella Huber, F, University of Minnesota (NCAA)

Marmer selected versatile forward Ella Huber with her second pick of the draft (much like I did The Ice Garden's mock draft) The University of Minnesota captain is coming off a career season that saw her produce 48 points in 42 games. She’s a speedy center with a high hockey IQ and experience playing (and producing) in all situations. 

“Ella's a great skater,” Marmer said. “I think she adds some speed to our lineup that we've been missing and that we need. She's somebody who can play in a lot of different roles. So with the national development team, she's blocking shots and killing penalties and then you see her in Minnesota and she's racking up points with Abbey Murphy and putting pucks in the net. Just [an] unbelievable skater, a great presence, and I think she's got a lot of detail to her game that's gonna allow her to play in this level and translate right away and adapt right away.”

When asked at the post-pick press conference what she brings to the Fleet, Huber highlighted versatility as her best attribute. 

“I’m a versatile player,” Huber said. “I would say that they could put me in any role, and I will do that for them to the best of my ability. I like to use my speed and just use the offensive zone to do the best I can.”

Round 3, Pick 18: Olivia Mobley, F, University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

The Fleet went with another forward from a Minnesota school with their third pick, selecting Olivia Mobley out of the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Mobley is a big, speedy forward with a great shot. She had a bit of a rollercoaster college career, playing different roles across three schools in five seasons. She spent her first three years at Quinnipiac University, where she led the team in scoring twice, before transferring to Ohio State, where she played a more complementary role en route to an NCAA championship. She then ended on a high note, spending her graduate season at UMD and producing a career-high 19 goals. She may not produce a ton in the PWHL, especially in her first season, but she has the toolkit to be a solid complementary player for the Fleet.

Round 4, Pick 26: Riley Brengman, D, Ohio State University (NCAA)

Brengman is a speedy, reliable, minutes-munching defender who thrives on the penalty kill. She was often overshadowed at OSU by her flashier teammates, but she plays the type of game that should translate fairly easily to a depth role in the PWHL. At this stage of the draft, she’s the type of low-risk player worth taking.

“I think just using my best attribute to my ability, and that’s my speed,” Brengman said about what she hopes to bring to the Fleet at her post-pick press conference. “So just being a steady, consistent defender, being super reliable, and allowing the coach to know what they’re going to get from me every time I step out there.”

Round 5, Pick 34: Abby Newhook, F, Boston College (NCAA)

Newhook is an excellent value pick. Her point production at BC may not wow you like some of the earlier draft picks, but she’s highly skilled and, like the Fleet’s other picks, a versatile player with a strong two-way game. Newhook is also a proven leader, having co-captained the Eagles for two seasons. At the very least, she’s likely to be an effective bottom-six player who can show up on the scoresheet when called upon.

“I would consider myself a two-way player,” Newhook said about her game at her post-pick press conference. “I’m definitely very physical on the puck and I would say that I’m able to make decisions under pressure and hold on to the puck under pressure.”

Marmer, who was surprised to see Newhook still on the board, shared similar sentiments, highlighting Newhook’s workhouse mentality.

“Wildly surprised about [Newhook being available in the fifth round],” Marmer said. “She is a high skill player. She's played with elite players. She competes and is just a workhorse, and [is] somebody who I think her game is going to be elevated by playing with elite players…I think people are going to be surprised by the success that she can have in this league.”

Round 6: Pick 42: Amanda Thiele, G, Ohio State University (NCAA)

With their final pick of the draft, the Fleet swung for a netminder. Thiele is coming off her worst statistical season at OSU, but her previous four years were strong. That said, OSU has been a superpower for the past several years, so it’ll be interesting to see how Thiele fares against more consistently equal competition. Still, the 5’10” goaltender has potential, and with some practice with professionals and perhaps mentorship from fellow tall goaltender and recent Fleet signing Abbey Levy, she could become a solid backup goaltender.