Entering the final week of the PWHL season, there’s still plenty to be determined. The final playoff spot is still up for grabs, with three teams vying for it. The PWHL’s Gold Plan is in effect for two teams so far, with the first-overall draft pick on the line.
Is it too early to think about the league’s postseason awards? Probably — but let’s do it anyway! And, make sure you check out last week’s Crease Huddles for Geremy & Natalia’s takes on the award winners.
Billie Jean King MVP award
The Billie Jean King MVP award recognizes the player who is most vital to their team’s success. Previous winners include Marie-Philip Poulin (2025) and Natalie Spooner (2024).
I have to say, I like Ottawa Charge goaltender Gwyneth Philips for this one. She’s been a huge part of her team’s success, and when she’s on, she’s on. She has 14 wins in 26 games this season and leads all goaltenders in minutes played. In terms of her importance to the team, the Charge would not be in their current position without her.
PWHL Forward of the Year
I’d give this one to Minnesota Frost forward Kelly Pannek. Pannek is the top scorer in the league, with 14 goals and 29 points. Half of her goals have come on the power play, and she’s averaged over a point per game. She’s been a consistent offensive presence for the Frost, who lead the league with 84 goals scored. She also has 31 blocked shots.
PWHL Defender of the Year
Boston Fleet defender Megan Keller leads all blueliners across the league in minutes played (753:42) and is a plus-10 on the season. She’s contributed defensively as well as offensively, showcasing her well-rounded game. Keller also has 46 hits, third-most among defenders, and 23 blocked shots.
I’d also like Frost blueliner Lee Stecklein for this award.
PWHL Goaltender of the Year
Can we make this one a tie? It’s so tight between Boston Fleet goaltender Aerin Frankel and Montréal Victoire netminder Ann-Renée Desbiens. Both are incredibly consistent and strong in net, and have been critical to their team’s successes.
Their numbers are fairly similar, too. Desbiens has a 1.12 GAA, Frankel a 1.19. Both have 18 wins in 24 games played. There’s a 0.002% difference between their save percentages. You truly can’t go wrong either way.
PWHL Rookie of the Year
This race has become tighter as the PWHL season’s gone on. New York Sirens forward Casey O’Brien currently leads the league’s rookies with 21 points in 26 games, while her teammate Kristýna Kaltounková has a league-best 11 goals. Fleet defender Haley Winn — as a defender! — has 18 points, including 14 assists. You also can’t count out Minnesota’s Kendall Cooper or Victoire defender Nicole Gosling.
It’s really going to come down to these final few games to see who steps up and sets themselves apart from the pack.
Coach of the Year
The Fleet’s turnaround, year-over-year, under new head coach Kris Sparre has been impressive. Last season, the Fleet finished fifth of six teams and failed to qualify for the playoffs with a record of 9-6-5-10 and 44 points.
This season, the Fleet were consistently at the top of the pack. With two games left, they’re sitting comfortably in second — but still fighting the Victoire for that league-leading spot and a chance to pick their first-round opponent. They’ve unquestionably been good all season long and currently have 15 wins and just five regulation losses. Their 58 points are a franchise record.
And that turnaround is even more impressive when you consider the players the Fleet lost over the offseason, too.
The PWHL regular season ends on Saturday, April 25.