The PWHL has announced 10 annual end-of-season awards which it will hand out during an offseason ceremony, including two awards named after trailblazing women in the world of sports.
Similar to the NHL Awards, the PWHL’s categories recognize players for their achievements both on and off the ice. While some bear generic titles for the time being (such as “Forward of the Year”), the league’s MVP trophy has been named after Billie Jean King, while the playoff MVP will bear Ilana Kloss’ namesake.
“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 VP 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.”
While the league has left the door open to recognize the contributions of female hockey players by keeping several high profile awards unnamed for the time being, the two most prestigious individual awards will pay homage to two former tennis greats.
The full list of awards the league will introduce is as follows:
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.
Photo: John Mac. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.