A Night of Recognition in Detroit
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) gathered in Detroit to present its 2025‑26 award winners, spotlighting the athletes and leaders who have shaped a landmark season for the growing league. The ceremony, held at a downtown venue, celebrated on‑ice excellence and off‑ice contributions, underscoring the league's commitment to both competition and community engagement.
Aerin Frankel of the Boston Fleet dominated the awards, capturing both the Billie Jean King MVP Award and the Goaltender of the Year honor. Her season featured 19 victories and eight shutouts, setting new benchmarks for single‑season performance in the league.
Forward Kelly Pannek of Minnesota Frost earned Forward of the Year after leading the league with 16 goals and a PWHL single‑season record 33 points across 30 games, a testament to her offensive dynamism.
Defensive standout Megan Keller, also with the Boston Fleet, was named Defender of the Year, while rookie sensation Haley Winn from Boston took home the Rookie of the Year award, highlighting the depth of talent across the rosters.
Coach Kris Sparre was recognized as Coach of the Year for guiding the Boston Fleet to a dominant campaign, a tribute to his strategic acumen and leadership.
Community Impact Honored
Rebecca Leslie of the Ottawa Charge received the PWHL “Hockey for All” Award for her extensive community involvement, a recognition that aligns with the league's partnership network, including the Ottawa Senators’ Foundation, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the PWHL Mentorship Program.
The All‑Star Teams and the Intact Impact Award were also announced, highlighting not only the on‑ice excellence of players such as Marie‑Philip Poulin, Ann‑Renée Desbiens and Gwyneth Philips but also the league's broader mission to foster inclusive hockey environments.
The ceremony concluded with a celebration of the league's rapid growth, from its inaugural season to a fully professional structure that now spans North America, drawing record attendance and media attention while championing gender equity in sport.