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

Desbiens, Frankel, Pannek named finalists for PWHL's Billie Jean King MVP award | iNFOnews.ca
Montreal Victoire goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens (35) jumps as she celebrates in the final seconds behind Ottawa Charge forward Fanuza Kadirova (71) to win the PWHL Walter Cup hockey final in Ottawa, Wednesday May 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

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.

Desbiens, Frankel, Pannek named finalists for PWHL's Billie Jean King MVP award | iNFOnews.ca
Boston Fleet goalie Aerin Frankel (31) makes a glove save on a shot from Ottawa Charge defence Brooke Hobson (11) during first period PWHL playoff action in Ottawa, Sunday, May 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Desbiens, Frankel, Pannek named finalists for PWHL's Billie Jean King MVP award | iNFOnews.ca
Montreal Victoire goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens (35) looks as Minnesota Frost’s Kelly Pannek (12) and Grace Zumwinkle (13) celebrate a goal by teammate Jincy Roese (not shown) during overtime period PWHL playoff hockey action in Laval, Que., Saturday, May 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

Related Articles