ESPY Awards Shine a Light on U.S. Hockey Stars
The 2026 ESPY Awards are already generating buzz as the nomination list reveals a strong U.S. presence across several categories. Hilary Knight, who captains the U.S. women’s hockey team and holds the record as the most decorated Olympian in U.S. hockey history, has been shortlisted for Best Athlete, Women’s Sports. Joining her, Declan Farmer earned a nod in the Best Athlete with a Disability category, underscoring the breadth of talent on the American roster.
In the Best Play category, defensemen Megan Keller and forward Jack Hughes were recognized for their clutch golden‑goal performances in the Milan gold‑medal games. Their decisive strikes not only secured the championship but also highlighted the depth of skill within the U.S. squad.
Between the posts, goaltenders Aerin Frankel and Connor Hellebuyck received nominations for Best Championship Performance. Both net‑minders were instrumental in shutting down opponents during the Olympic finals, a factor that the ESPY selection committee cited as a key reason for their recognition.
Fan voting has now opened, giving the public a direct hand in determining the ultimate winners. The ceremony will be broadcast live on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with a simultaneous stream on the ESPN App, promising an evening that celebrates athletic excellence across the sporting spectrum.