Minnesota's Taylor Heise and Kelly Pannek, and Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner were voted to be the PWHL's three finalists for Forward of the Year.
The PWHL announced their first award finalists for the 2025-26 season naming Taylor Heise and Kelly Pannek of the Minnesota Frost, and Brianne Jenner of the Ottawa Charge as finalists for the PWHL's Forward of the Year.
According to the league, "The PWHL Forward of the Year award is presented to the forward who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season."
Pannek led the PWHL in goals and points this season, setting an all-time single season record for points with 33 points in 30 games. Her 16 goals were tops in the league, and Pannek was also strong on the dot with a 59.3% win rate.
Heise finished second in the PWHL in scoring this season, becoming only the second player in league history behind Pannek to hit the 30 point mark scoring 30 points in 30 games. A former Playoff MVP, Heise set a new career-high with 17 assists
Finally, Ottawa Charge captain Brianne Jenner finished fourth in leading scoring with 26 points in 30 games, and led the Charge back to the playoffs.
A selection committee cast their votes for six regular-season PWHL awards, including Forward of the Year, along with the league’s First and Second All-Star Teams and an All-Rookie Team, between the conclusion of regular season and the commencement of playoffs. The three players that received the most voting points for Forward of the Year have been named finalists. Winners of all PWHL Awards will be announced on June 16 in Detroit.
Previous winners of the Forward of the Year include Natalie Spooner and Marie-Philip Poulin.