The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is set to honor the standout forwards of the 2025‑26 season, with three players emerging as finalists for the Forward of the Year award. The announcement will take place on June 16 in Detroit, bringing together the league’s top talent and fans for a celebration of excellence.
Record‑breaking campaigns
Taylor Heise of the Minnesota Frost topped the regular season with 30 points in 30 games, establishing a new PWHL benchmark for efficiency. She also set the league’s fastest goal record, striking just 16 seconds into play on April 1, a moment that underscored her explosive start.
Brianne Jenner of the Ottawa Charge enjoyed a career‑best season, finishing with 26 points in 30 games. Her chemistry with teammate Rebecca Leslie produced a PWHL record of 15 assist‑to‑goal combinations, highlighting a dynamic partnership that drove the Charge’s offensive surge.
Kelly Pannek, also representing the Minnesota Frost, led the league in both goals and total points, posting 16 goals and 33 points over 30 games. Her achievement marks her as the second player to capture both the Points Leader Award and the Top Goal Scorer Award in the same season.
Award ceremony details
The full slate of PWHL award winners, including the Forward of the Year, will be revealed on June 16 in Detroit. The event promises to spotlight the growing impact of women’s professional hockey and celebrate the athletes shaping its future.
With record‑setting performances and a competitive field of finalists, the 2026 Forward of the Year award reflects the rising standards of play and the increasing visibility of women’s hockey. Fans and stakeholders alike anticipate a ceremony that will further cement the PWHL’s place on the global sports stage.