Loren Gabel Named PHF Most Valuable Player

Boston Pride forward Loren Gabel has been named the PHF's most valuable player for the 2023-2024 season.

Loren Gabel has added another honor to her already decorated debut season in the PHF being named the league's MVP. 

The Boston Pride forward was named the PHF's Newcomer of the Year earlier this offseason and won the PHF's scoring race this season recording 40 points in 22 games. She also was named the PHF All-Star game MVP for her performance representing Team Canada.

“It is an absolute honor to win the 2022-23 MVP and Outstanding Player of the Year awards, and I am proud to be recognized by my fellow players and by the dedicated media who cover this league,” said Gabel in a league press release. 

“I couldn’t have done it without every single person who has helped me get to this point. The PHF has a tremendous amount of talent, and I am fortunate that I get to play alongside and against some of the best every day. I am thankful for the opportunity I was given to play in Boston, and I am looking forward to my future in the PHF.”

It was the first year the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, which votes to name several of the NHL's major awards, voted for the PHF's MVP. Gabel received six first place ballots and led all vote-getters with 43 points overall. PHF goaltender of the year Corrine Schroeder and last year's MVP Kennedy Marchment were also finalists.

Gabel was the 2018-2019 Patty Kazmaier winner as the top player in the NCAA when she recorded 40 goals and 69 points in 38 games for Clarkson. In four seasons with Clarkson, Gabel collected 213 points in 160 games and helped the Golden Knights win two national titles.

She was also a member of Canada's 2019 World Championship roster scoring six goals and seven points in seven games for the Canadians. 

According to Brianna Decker, PHF Team and Player Development Advisor, who is also a two-time PHF MVP herself, the award represents a significant honor for any player. 

“Anytime a player is recognized by the league, media, and their peers it shows how much of an impact they have on the game, and being around Loren and playing against her I know she’s a factor every time she steps on the ice and often finds the back of the net,” said Decker.

Since graduating from University, Gabel participated in the PWHPA's Secret Dream Gap Tour for three years, including last season when she notched 12 points in 9 games for the Toronto based team.

The Kitchener product is signed to return to the PHF's Boston Pride next season.