In a remarkable showing for North Country hockey, five standout players from Clarkson University and St. Lawrence University were selected during the 2025 PWHL draft held in Ottawa on June 24. This watershed moment not only highlights individual talent but establishes the region as a powerhouse in developing elite women’s hockey players.
The draft saw Haley Winn from Clarkson University selected second overall by the Boston Fleet, while her teammate Nicole Gosling went fourth to Montréal Victoire. Their fellow Golden Knight Anne Cherkowski was chosen ninth by the New York Sirens. St. Lawrence University also made its mark with Abby Hustler and Anna Segedi both drafted by Minnesota Frost in the second and third rounds respectively.
Clarkson University dominates early rounds
Clarkson’s presence was felt immediately in the draft, with three players selected within the first nine picks. Haley Winn, selected second overall, capped her senior season with impressive statistics: 14 goals and 32 assists in just 38 games. Her accolades include ECAC Player of the Year, Defender of the Year, and First-Team All-American honors.
Nicole Gosling, taken fourth overall by Montréal, leaves Clarkson as the all-time leading scorer among defenders with 148 career points. Her international experience includes winning gold with Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, similar to Marie-Philip Poulin, a prominent figure in IIHF hockey.
Rounding out Clarkson’s impressive showing, Anne Cherkowski was selected ninth overall by New York after a final season featuring 17 goals and 28 assists in 40 games.
St. Lawrence sends two stars to Minnesota
The Minnesota Frost recognized St. Lawrence talent by selecting two Saints players. Abby Hustler, taken 14th overall, leaves St. Lawrence ranking sixth in all-time points with 158 (71 goals, 87 assists). She made history as the first player ever drafted from Prince Edward Island.
Anna Segedi, selected 22nd overall, brings Olympic experience to Minnesota, having represented Team China at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Her consistency over 164 games (54 goals, 65 assists) and leadership as team captain made her a valuable selection.
Coaching perspectives on player development
Clarkson Head Coach Matt Desrosiers expressed immense pride in his program’s achievement: “What an incredible night for Haley, Nicole, and Anne. To have all three chosen in the first nine picks shows the dedication and effort they put into their development at Clarkson.”
Similarly, St. Lawrence Head Coach Chris Wells highlighted Anna Segedi’s versatility: “She has been so reliable her entire career here, and she will be able to carry that into the PWHL. No moment is too big for her as she has been to the National Tournament and the Olympics.”
This remarkable draft performance enhances the region’s hockey reputation and provides inspiration for younger players throughout the North Country. The comprehensive analysis of IIHF Olympic hockey shows parallels to how collegiate programs like these are developing world-class talent.
Professional teams build around North Country talent
Boston Fleet General Manager Danielle Marmer highlighted the strategic importance of these selections: “It feels really nice to put some players into positions on our team and fill some holes that we needed to fill.” This philosophy mirrors the approach taken when Steve O’Rourke named head coach of PWHL Seattle, focusing on building competitive rosters with specialized talent.
The 2025 PWHL draft has forever changed the hockey landscape in the North Country. These five remarkable women have not only achieved personal milestones but have established their colleges and region as premier destinations for developing women’s hockey talent at the highest level.
