Desbiens, Frankel, Pannek named finalists for PWHL’s Billie Jean King MVP award

TORONTO — Montréal Victoire goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens, Boston Fleet goalie Aerin Frankel and Minnesota Frost forward Kelly Pannek are the finalists for the 2026 Billie Jean King MVP award, the Professional Women’s Hockey League announced Wednesday.

Desbiens and Frankel, who are also up for the goaltender of the year award, both set a PWHL record with 19 wins in the 2025-26 season.

Desbiens also had a league-low six losses and a 1.11 goals-against average in 25 games, helping the Victoire finish first in the regular season before claiming their first Walter Cup.

Frankel led the league with eight shutouts and posted a 1.17 goals-against average, helping Boston improve by 18 points over the previous season.

Pannek, who is also a finalist for the top forward award, had a league-leading 16 goals and broke the single-season points record with 33 in 30 games.

The winner will be announced on June 16 in Detroit.

Montréal captain Marie-Philip Poulin won the award last year.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press