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MVP honors headline ten PWHL awards to be presented annually
NEW YORK AND TORONTO (April 25, 2024) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) will celebrate greatness with the introduction of the Billie Jean King MVP Award and the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award. The two most prestigious player awards are named in honor of the league’s founding Advisory Board members, trailblazers and long-time women’s sports advocates Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss, who championed the launch of the PWHL. The awards are among ten that will be presented annually to recognize on- and off-ice achievements across the PWHL.
“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. “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.”
In addition to the Billie Jean King MVP Award and Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award, PWHL awards will consist of Forward of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Community Leadership Award, Points Leader, and Top Goal Scorer.
The Points Leader and Top Goal Scorer will be automatically determined by offensive leaders at the conclusion of the regular-season. The Community Leadership Award will be selected by PWHL executives, and all other award recipients will be chosen by a selection committee with a cross-section of representatives including national and local media, former players, the PWHLPA, and team personnel. Selection Committee voting for the regular-season awards will be facilitated between the conclusion of the final regular-season game and the commencement of the first playoff game. Finalists will be unveiled throughout the PWHL Playoffs and winners will be announced in June.
PWHL AWARDS:
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 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.
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