Two Goalies Are In The PWHL MVP Race, And No One In The League Is Ready For It

Okay, Seattle, you know how we roll. We bleed green and blue, we live for that clutch play, whether it’s a Matty Beniers slapshot or a Jaxon Smith-Njigba touchdown. So when a league drops MVP finalists, you know we're paying attention, even if it’s the PWHL throwing down some serious heat. And buckle up, because the 2026 Billie Jean King MVP award race just got absolutely WILD. Ann-Renee Desbiens of the Montreal Victoire, Aerin Frankel of the Boston Fleet, and Kelly Pannek of the Minnesota Frost are your finalists, and get this: Desbiens and Frankel? They are the FIRST EVER goaltenders to be named finalists for the league MVP. First. Ever. That’s Lumen-level hype right there.

The Goalies Just Rewrote the Record Books

Seriously, these netminders weren’t just good; they were unreal. Ann-Renee Desbiens, at 32 years old, had a season for the ages. She set PWHL single-season records with a mind-blowing 1.11 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage. Think about that for a second. That’s pure brick wall material. She also tied for the league lead with a record 19 wins in 25 games and snagged seven shutouts, putting her second in the league. The woman was a force!

Then you’ve got Aerin Frankel, the 26-year-old phenom, who was right there with her. Frankel posted a league-record eight shutouts, tying Desbiens with 19 wins. Her stats were just as eye-popping: a 1.17 GAA and a .953 save percentage. Oh, and she had a shutout streak that stretched for an insane 226 minutes and nine seconds. You read that right. Almost four full games without letting a single puck past her. Both Desbiens and Frankel are also, deservedly, up for Goaltender of the Year honors. This isn't just about being good; it's about being historically great, and these two goalies are the talk of the league, and for good reason.

Kelly Pannek's Offensive Explosion

Now, let's not forget about the offensive powerhouse in the mix, Kelly Pannek from the Minnesota Frost. The 30-year-old forward absolutely torched opposing defenses, putting up a league-record 33 points in just 30 games. She tallied 16 goals and 17 assists, showing she can both find the back of the net and set up her teammates. Pannek tied for the league lead with three multi-goal games and matched a PWHL record with seven power-play goals. That’s pure clutch scoring when it matters most! It's no wonder she’s also a finalist for Forward of the Year. Her offensive explosion makes this MVP race a true battle of unstoppable force meets immovable object.

So, who’s taking home the hardware? Last season, it was Marie-Philip Poulin, and Natalie Spooner kicked it off in 2024. But this year feels different with the goalies making such a massive statement. We’ll find out on June 16, when the winners of all the PWHL awards are announced in Detroit. Until then, get stoked thinking about who you think deserves it! This is gonna be epic.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.