Fillier, Gardiner, Philips named PWHL Rookie of the Year Finalists
The Professional Women’s Hockey League unveiled the three finalists for the league’s Rookie of the Year Award on Wednesday, naming Sarah Fillier of the New York Sirens, Jennifer Gardiner of the Montreal Victoire and Gwyneth Philips of the Ottawa Charge.
Fillier, who entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Draft, quickly adjusted to PWHL level and led rookie scoring in all offensive categories, thriving in her first season after a standout NCAA career at Princeton University.
While the Sirens missed the Walter Cup Playoffs, Fillier tied for the league lead with 29 points in 30 games, including 13 goals to rank fourth in that category. Five of her goals also came on the powerplay, to lead the league, while her 16 assists tied for the most all-time in a PWHL regular season.
Although the Sirens missed the postseason, Fillier proved that she will be a key piece moving forward for the team, as well as in her continued elevated role with Team Canada.
Meanwhile, Gardiner became a key player for the Victoire and played regularly on a line with Laura Stacey and Marie-Philip Poulin, helping the team to the top spot in the regular season standings.
Making the quick adjustment from the Ohio State University, the 11th overall pick in the 2024 Draft netted five goals and 18 points in 30 games, and set up Poulin six times in what became a potent partnership.
With her strong play, the Surrey, BC native also earned a call to Team Canada for the IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championship, and represented her country in the Canada vs. USA Rivalry Series.
Phillips becomes the first goaltender to crack the Rookie of the Year Award finalists, having enjoyed a breakout year in the crease for the Charge, which sees her in the Walter Cup Final against the Minnesota Frost.
The former Northeastern University netminder took the starting role after Emerance Maschmeyer suffered an injury, and stood out with eight wins and two shutouts in 15 games.
The 24-year-old’s first shutout on Jan. 21, marked the first time a rookie had not allowed a goal, making history in just her third career professional start, in a run that helped the Charge clinch their first Watler Cup playoff berth.
In the inaugural 2024 season, Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle won the Rookie of the Year Award, prevailing over Toronto Sceptres’ and Boston Fleet forwards Emma Maltais and Alina Müller.
Only considering regular season performances, the PWHL will unveil the award winners on June 24 at the Hard Rock Casino and Resort in Ottawa.