A committee of voters has selected Renata Fast, Sophie Jaques, and Claire Thompson as the three finalists for the PWHL's 2025 Defender of the Year Award.

According to the league, "The PWHL Defender of the Year award is presented to the defender who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season."

The trio were the league's three leading scorers from the blueline with Fast and Jaques tying for the league lead among defenders with 22 points each, while Thompson had 18.

Both Thompson and Jaques play for the Minnesota Frost, while Fast is a member of the Toronto Sceptres.

Fast not only tied for the league lead in points by a defender, she also tied for the league lead in total assists, and led the PWHL with 63 hits. 

 aques saw a massive uptick in output this season tying Fast for the league lead in points. She had a better points-per-game rate at 0.88, tops among defenders. She also finished +12 this season, second among defenders and best among the three finalists. In terms of advanced stats, Jaques was the league's defensive leader in both Corsi and Fenwick showing her ability to drive positive possession and scoring chances.

Thompson was the lone first year player nominated for the award after spending last season pursing her medical degree. She led the league in primary assists with 11 and was the top defender selected in the 2024 PWHL Draft.

 Last year, Erin Ambrose won the inaugural PWHL Defender of the Year Award. This year's awards will be handed out June 25 in Ottawa.