The 1.11 Goals-Against-Average That Proves PWHL Goalies Are Ready For Their MVP Crown

Alright, Seattle, listen up, because the PWHL just dropped some MVP finalist news that’s gonna make you do a double-take! You guys, two goalies are in the running for the Billie Jean King MVP award, and if you’ve been watching the league, you know this is absolutely huge. We're talking about Ann-Renee Desbiens from the Montreal Victoire and Aerin Frankel from the Boston Fleet, alongside Kelly Pannek of the Minnesota Frost.

This isn't just another awards announcement. This is history in the making. Desbiens and Frankel are the FIRST goaltenders EVER to be named finalists for the league’s most valuable player award. Think about that for a second! It's a huge moment for netminders everywhere, showing that their impact on a team's success is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Both of these incredible athletes are also finalists for Goaltender of the Year, which, honestly, feels like a no-brainer with the seasons they had. Pannek, of course, is a finalist for Forward of the Year, because she was just that dominant up front.

Goalie Stats That Make You Say "Are You KIDDING Me?"

You want to talk about elite performance? Let’s dive into these numbers, because they are straight-up bonkers. Ann-Renee Desbiens, at 32 years old, set new PWHL records with an unbelievable 1.11 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage. I mean, seriously? A .955 save percentage is unreal! She also shared the league lead with a record 19 wins in 25 games and was second in the league with seven shutouts. That kind of consistency is just absurd.

Then you’ve got Aerin Frankel, the 26-year-old phenom. She posted a league-record eight shutouts, which is just ridiculous, and tied Desbiens with a record 19 wins. Frankel’s 1.17 GAA and .953 save percentage are also out of this world. Oh, and she had a shutout streak of 226 minutes and nine seconds. You read that right: over 226 minutes without letting a puck past her. That's the kind of stuff you tell your grandkids about!

Pannek's Offensive Explosion

Now, let's not forget Kelly Pannek, who had a monster season for the Minnesota Frost. The 30-year-old forward absolutely lit up the scoreboard, posting a league-record 33 points, with 16 goals and 17 assists in 30 games. She was a power-play machine, matching a PWHL record with seven power-play goals, and she tied for the league lead with three multi-goal games. Pannek’s offensive firepower was undeniable, and she absolutely earned her spot as a finalist.

So, what’s next for these incredible athletes? The winners of all the PWHL awards are going to be announced on June 16 in Detroit. It's going to be wild to see if a goalie actually takes home the biggest individual prize in the league. Will it be Desbiens, Frankel, or will Pannek snag the award? This is the kind of stuff that shows how much the PWHL is growing and changing. Get ready, because that award ceremony 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.