With the PWHL’s inaugural regular season a week away from its conclusion, it’s time to start handing out some hardware.
The league revealed 10 unique awards to be handed out annually, recognizing achievements made on and off the ice.
Headlining the end-of-season accolades for years to come will be the Billie Jean King MVP award. For the post-season, the PWHL will hand out the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP award.
“It is only fitting that the league’s most valuable players will be recognized with awards that reflect the leadership of Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations in a statement. “To have these awards named in their honour advances the sports legacy of these pioneers, who have devoted themselves to women’s equal rights in sports.”
Here’s a full list of the awards up for grabs:
Billie Jean King MVP Award
Awarded to the player considered most valuable to their team’s success throughout the regular season.
Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award
Awarded to the player considered most valuable to their team’s success throughout the playoffs.
Forward of the Year
Awarded to the forward who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season.
Defender of the Year
Awarded to the defender who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season.
Goaltender of the Year
Awarded to the goaltender who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season.
Rookie of the Year
Awarded to the player who showcases the most outstanding ability throughout their first regular season of professional play. Players eligible for the Rookie of the Year Award must be competing in their first season of professional hockey in North America and begin the season in their 25th birth year or younger. For the inaugural season, players born in 1998 and later are eligible for the Rookie of the Year Award.
Coach of the Year
Awarded to the head coach whose contributions most impacted their team’s on-ice success throughout the regular season.
Community Leadership Award
Awarded to the player whose leadership extends beyond the ice to foster positive change in the community.
Points Leader
Awarded to the player with the most points scored at the conclusion of the regular season.
Top Goal Scorer
Awarded to the player with the most goals scored at the conclusion of the regular season.
