Excellence on Ice: Unveiling the PWHL's Top Contenders for the Ultimate Individual Honor
The Distinguished Nominees for the 2026 MVP Title
The 2026 PWHL Billie Jean King MVP award finalists have been revealed, showcasing a remarkable blend of defensive prowess and offensive firepower. Montreal Victoire's Ann-Renee Desbiens, Boston Fleet's Aerin Frankel, and Minnesota Frost's Kelly Pannek are the athletes vying for this coveted accolade, which celebrates the player most integral to their team's triumphs during the regular season.
A Historic Milestone for Goaltending Excellence
In a league first, two goaltenders, Ann-Renee Desbiens and Aerin Frankel, have secured spots as MVP finalists. This recognition underscores the evolving appreciation for the critical role netminders play in their teams' overall success and their ability to single-handedly influence game outcomes.
Double Recognition and Forward Dominance
Both Desbiens and Frankel are also in contention for the Goaltender of the Year award, further cementing their exceptional season performances. Meanwhile, Kelly Pannek has earned a nomination for Forward of the Year, acknowledging her significant offensive contributions. The winners across all PWHL categories will be honored at a special ceremony on June 16 in Detroit.
Ann-Renee Desbiens' Stellar Season Achievements
Montreal's Ann-Renee Desbiens, at 32 years old, had a record-breaking season. She established new PWHL benchmarks for goals-against average at an astonishing 1.11 and save percentage at .955. Desbiens also tied for the league lead with 19 wins in 25 appearances and ranked second with an impressive seven shutouts.
Aerin Frankel's Dominant Defensive Performance
Boston's Aerin Frankel, 26, matched Desbiens' 19 wins and set a new league record with eight shutouts. Her season was further highlighted by a formidable 1.17 GAA and a .953 save percentage, including an incredible shutout streak that spanned 226 minutes and nine seconds.
Kelly Pannek's Offensive Prowess and Record-Breaking Points
Minnesota's Kelly Pannek, 30, was an offensive force, setting a league record with 33 points, comprised of 16 goals and 17 assists, in 30 games. She also tied for the league lead with three multi-goal games and equaled a PWHL record with seven power-play goals, demonstrating her consistent scoring ability.
Legacy of MVP Winners in the PWHL
The PWHL MVP award has seen distinguished recipients in previous seasons. Last year, Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin was named MVP, following Toronto's Natalie Spooner, who received the inaugural award in 2024, setting a high standard for future honorees.