Two Goalies Are Fighting for PWHL MVP: This Is Absolutely Wild!

Hold up, hockey fans! You gotta hear this because the PWHL just dropped a bombshell that changes everything we thought we knew about MVP races. For the first time EVER, two goaltenders are among the finalists for the 2026 Billie Jean King MVP award, and honestly, we are buzzing. Ann-Renee Desbiens from the Montreal Victoire and Aerin Frankel of the Boston Fleet have shattered expectations, making history alongside Minnesota Frost forward Kelly Pannek.

The Goalie Revolution is Here, Folks!

Seriously, this is a massive deal. Desbiens and Frankel aren't just MVP finalists, they are also up for Goaltender of the Year, which makes total sense given the insane numbers they put up. Ann-Renee Desbiens, at 32, had a season for the ages. She set single-season PWHL records with a ridiculous 1.11 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage. On top of that, she tied for the league lead with a record 19 wins in just 25 games and notched seven shutouts, ranking second overall. Talk about shutting the door!

Not to be outdone, Aerin Frankel, a young gun at 26, was equally dominant. She absolutely owned the league with a record eight shutouts and also tied the league record for 19 wins. Her stats were nearly identical to Desbiens, boasting a 1.17 GAA and a .953 save percentage. Oh, and get this: she had an unbelievable shutout streak of 226 minutes and nine seconds. That's almost four full games of pure brick wall action! These two goalies redefined what it means to be valuable to your team, plain and simple.

Pannek Bringing the Offensive Firepower

While the goalies are making headlines, let's not forget the offensive powerhouse, Kelly Pannek. The 30-year-old forward absolutely lit it up for the Minnesota Frost. She set a new league record with 33 points, racking up 16 goals and 17 assists in 30 games. Pannek also tied for the league lead with three multi-goal games and matched a PWHL record with seven power-play goals. She’s a beast out there and a true force for her team, making her a clear contender for Forward of the Year.

Last season, Marie-Philip Poulin took home the MVP hardware, following Natalie Spooner who won the inaugural award in 2024. But this year feels different, with two netminders in the running, it truly shows how impactful goaltending can be. We're talking about players who literally stole games and carried their teams to success. This isn't just about individual stats; it's about what they brought every single night.

What's Next? Get Ready for June 16th!

So, who's gonna take home the hardware? We don't have to wait too much longer! All the PWHL award winners will be announced on June 16th in Detroit. You know we'll be glued to our screens, watching to see if Desbiens or Frankel can complete this unbelievable, history-making run. This is more than just an award; it's a statement about the league and the incredible talent on display. Get ready, because this is going to be epic!

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