The PWHL draft is coming up this summer after what will likely be another spectacular finish to their second season in action. More top tier women’s hockey talent is ready to be infused into the relatively new league. The recent talks of expanding the league is a good sign for all of these young players coming out of college as it provides a better opportunity for them to get their shot at the pros.
Among these collegiate players is a two-way threat on defense for the Clarkson Golden Knights who has a good chance to be picked high in this year’s draft. Her name is Haley Winn, and you’re not getting in her way.
“It was always my plan A and honestly growing up I never had a plan B,” said Winn when asked about playing hockey growing up and when she knew it could be something real for her. She’s been playing the sport almost all her life, following in the footsteps of her three older brothers and father. Her brothers also play hockey at the collegiate level, while her father played at Clarkson, which in turn made it her dream school since she was younger.
Winn has always enjoyed playing sports from a young age; anything to get her outdoors. She still enjoys time outside with family and friends and being active. However, all the other sports seemed to fade away around the ninth grade when she knew she had to commit to hockey. “Ever since I was young, I always had the dream of going somewhere in hockey,” she said.
Winn said it was through playing academy hockey that she really learned what it would take to make a go of it professionally, and that part of her life has ultimately led her to where she is now. Of course, she’s had some great support as well, crediting her family for being there for her all the way as well as all her coaches through the years. “I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of really good coaches growing up,” she stated.
Along the way, Winn has made some great memories. Her favourite is undoubtedly winning a gold medal at her first Worlds. It was especially sweet because it took place in Brampton, Ont., which is nice and close to her home of Rochester, N.Y. “That’s one you can’t forget,” Winn said.
As for the rest of her career, the highly decorated defenseman has high hopes. Ever since she was a kid, the goal was to attend Clarkson and play in the Olympics. She has completed one of those, and is well on her way to the other if everything keeps up. However, there has been a new goal added to the list recently, with the creation of the PWHL in 2024. Being chosen in the draft this summer would certainly be an honour for Winn.
“It would obviously be a dream come true,” she said, stating she is very happy to see where the current players of the league have gotten this new league so far.
While Winn may be well on her way to becoming a star in the PWHL, she wants the younger generation of women’s players to remember what’s really important in hockey. “The outcomes will take care of themselves,” she says. Winn wants younger girls to enjoy the journey and not needing to have everything planned out like she did. The love of the game comes first, and it’s okay that not everyone has it.
“I’m just super fortunate to have this passion for the game that I do,” Winn said, “I just love going to the rink everyday.”
A dangerous player all over the ice who was inspired by players ranging from Erik Karlsson to Renata Fast, Winn is determined to make a name for herself in this sport. She wants to remind fans of her strength in her faith and her commitment to her team, but the one thing that everyone should remember is stay out of Haley Winn’s way.
“I’m very competitive.”
By Jackson Scherger
Jackson Scherger is a journalism student at MacEwan University in Edmonton. Originally from Macklin, Sask., Jackson looks to continue to gain experience in sports journalism as he pursues a career in this field.