As the off-season and the free agency of the NWHL continue, we are going to see some players hang up the skates. The first one announced this season just happened to be Metropolitan Riveters forward Harrison Browne.

Browne is the first-ever openly transgender player in professional sports. He had originally retired after two seasons in the NWHL after winning the Isobel Cup with the Buffalo Beauts. He then decided to stay in the league for one more season and delay his transition process. Under league rules, he was allowed to stay in the league and play as long as he did not put any male hormones into his system. He complied and now has decided he is ready to call it a career.

In 16 games played with the Riveters in the regular season, he picked up 10 points scoring three goals, including the first goal of the 2017-2018 season against the Boston Pride at Prudential Center. His best career year however, was his second season in the league with the Beauts, where he accumulated 16 points (7 G 9 A) and was a major contributor to Buffalo’s championship.

Browne was welcomed to the Riveters with open arms by the fans and he did not disappoint as he made some key plays throughout the seasons, from the first goal to an assist in the semi finals. Browne had that knack for the big moments with both Buffalo and Metropolitan. In his 60 career games in the NWHL (including 9 playoff games), Browne had 32 points (12G, 20A).

Browne leaves after three seasons being one of only two players to win multiple Isobel cups. He has countless achievements to be proud of both on and off the ice, and it will be interesting to see what he does now after hockey.