PWHL Announces 2026 Billie Jean King MVP Award Finalists: Desbiens, Frankel, and Pannek



The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has unveiled the three finalists for the 2026 Billie Jean King Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, honoring the player deemed most valuable to their team's success throughout the regular season.




PWHL 2026 Billie Jean King MVP Award Finalists


Ann-Renée Desbiens, goaltender, Montréal Victoire

Aerin Frankel, goaltender, Boston Fleet

Kelly Pannek, forward, Minnesota Frost


This marks a historic nod for goaltenders, with Desbiens and Frankel becoming two of the first netminders to reach the MVP finalists stage.


Standout Performances

Ann-Renée Desbiens (Montréal Victoire) 

Desbiens delivered a dominant season in net for the Victoire, posting elite numbers that anchored her team's success. She led the league with a sparkling 1.11 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage across 28 games, while tying the league record with 19 wins and seven shutouts. Her consistency was pivotal as Montréal made a strong push in the standings.


Aerin Frankel (Boston Fleet)  

Frankel matched Desbiens with 19 wins and seven shutouts, setting a new PWHL benchmark. The Boston goaltender continued to establish herself as one of the league's premier shot-stoppers, providing stability and highlight-reel saves that kept the Fleet competitive all season long.


Kelly Pannek (Minnesota Frost)  

As the offensive standout among the finalists, Pannek led the PWHL in scoring with 16 goals and 33 points. Her playmaking ability and two-way impact were instrumental in driving the Frost's attack, making her a clear MVP candidate in a season that highlighted the value of elite forward production alongside goaltending excellence.


Award Context

The Billie Jean King MVP is voted on by a selection committee and presented to the player who provided the greatest overall value to their club. Previous winners include Marie-Philip Poulin and Natalie Spooner. The 2026 winner, along with other major award recipients, will be revealed at the league's awards ceremony on June 16 in Detroit.


This year's finalists reflect the evolving depth of the PWHL, where both defensive excellence in goal and offensive firepower can define a team's fortunes. 


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