Introducing the Billie Jean King MVP Award and Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award: PWHL News Release

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has announced the introduction of two new prestigious awards in honor of trailblazing women’s sports advocates Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss. The Billie Jean King MVP Award and the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award will be presented annually to recognize the most valuable players in the league.

PWHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, Jayna Hefford, expressed the significance of naming these awards after King and Kloss, stating, “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. To have these awards named in their honor advances the sports legacy of these pioneers, who have devoted themselves to women’s equal rights in sports.”

In addition to the MVP awards, the PWHL will also present awards for 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 winners of the Points Leader and Top Goal Scorer awards will be determined by offensive leaders at the end of the regular season, while the Community Leadership Award will be selected by PWHL executives.

A selection committee comprised of national and local media, former players, the PWHLPA, and team personnel will choose the recipients of the remaining awards. The winners will be announced in June, with finalists being unveiled throughout the PWHL Playoffs.

The introduction of these awards highlights the PWHL’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the talent and contributions of its players, coaches, and community leaders. Fans can look forward to an exciting awards season as the league honors those who have made a significant impact on and off the ice.