Jaques, Keller and Winn shortlisted for PWHL's defender of the year award

Boston Fleet’s Haley Winn (8) celebrates a goal on Ottawa Charge goaltender Gwyneth Philips (33), not pictured, during shootout PWHL hockey action in Ottawa, on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

TORONTO — Sophie Jaques of the Vancouver Goldeneyes is one of three players on the shortlist for the PWHL’s defender of the year award.

The 25-year-old from Toronto is up against Megan Keller and Haley Winn, both of the Boston Fleet.

Jaques, who was also nominated for the honour last season, had nine goals and 11 assists over 30 games for the expansion Goldeneyes. She became the first blueliner in league history to record 50 career points.

Keller, Boston’s captain, had a career-high 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) to lead all PWHL defenders. She also averaged 26 minutes 40 seconds a game in ice time.

Winn, selected second overall by the Fleet in last year’s draft, put up 19 points in her rookie campaign and scored five goals, the most by a first-year defender in PWHL history.

The winner will be announced at the PWHL’s awards ceremony in Detroit on June 16.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2026.