The 2026 ESPY Awards are set to spotlight the nation’s most celebrated athletes, and this year’s nominations have already generated buzz across the hockey community.
Trailblazing Captain Among the Nominees
Hilary Knight, the Team USA captain and the most decorated U.S. hockey Olympian, earned a nomination for Best Athlete, Women’s Sports, underscoring her lasting impact on the game and her role as a trailblazer for future generations.
Declan Farmer was recognized in the Best Athlete with a Disability category, reflecting the growing visibility of Paralympic talent on a mainstream platform.
Megan Keller and Jack Hughes received nods in the Best Play category for their decisive golden‑goal scores in the Milan gold‑medal games, a moment that cemented the U.S. team’s comeback narrative.
Goaltenders Aerin Frankel and Connor Hellebuyck were both nominated for Best Championship Performance, acknowledging their pivotal roles in securing the Olympic titles with clutch saves that defined the tournament.
Fan voting is now open, allowing the public to help determine the ultimate winners. The ESPYS will air live on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and the ESPN App, promising a night of celebration for sport’s biggest stars.