The PWHL has announced their finalists for the 2025 PWHL Rookie of the Year. Those nominees include New York Sirens forward, Sarah Fillier, Montreal Victoire forward Jennifer Gardiner, and Ottawa Charge netminder Gwyneth Philips.
According to the PWHL "The PWHL Rookie of the Year award is presented to the player who showcases the most outstanding ability throughout their first regular season of professional play."
To be eligible for the PWHL's rookie of the year award players must be in their first season competing in professional hockey in North America and begin the season in their 25th birth year or younger. Players must be born in 1999 or earlier or the 2025 award to be eligible.
Fillier tied for the PWHL's scoring lead this season with 29 points in 30 games, finishing 10 points higher than any other PWHL rookie. Fillier was the first overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Draft, and scored 13 goals this season.
Gwyneth Philips ended the 2024-25 PWHL season as the starting goaltender for the Ottawa Charge. The first netminder selected in the 2024 PWHL Draft posted a .919 save percentage, 2.11 GAA and two shutouts. She was the first rookie netminder in PWHL history to earn a shutout, and was crucial to Ottawa's late season push to make the PWHL playoffs.
Jennifer Gardiner was the second leading scorer among rookies this year and the only rookie aside from Fillier to finish in the top 20 in PWHL scoring this season with 18 points in 30 games. She spent much for the season on Montreal's top line alongside Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey.
Last year Minnesota Frost forward Grace Zumwinkle won the 2024 PWHL Rookie of the Year award.