Edwards, Frankel, Harvey, Knight, Philips, Poulin named finalists for 2025 IIHF Female Player of the Year
A few of the best players in the world are in line for a global accolade.
On Thursday, the International Ice Hockey Federation announced the six finalists for the 2025 IIHF Female Player of the Year award. Americans Laila Edwards, Aerin Frankel, Caroline Harvey, Hilary Knight and Gwyneth Philips join Team Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin on the list.
Edwards might have had a more exceptional 2024 on the international side of things, being named the IIHF Women’s World Championship MVP after leading the United States to another gold medal game appearance. She only notched four points in this year’s Women’s Worlds after getting moved to defense. Yet, her contributions were enough to help the U.S. win gold in Czechia. The Wisconsin Badger was also a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award after finishing third in the NCAA in scoring with 71 points in 41 games.
Harvey was a teammate on that Badger team that took home a record eighth national championship. Another Patty Kazmaier finalist, the junior defender finished fifth in the country with 63 points, far leading all blueliners in scoring. Harvey’s versatile ability played a role in the Americans winning the world championship as well.
Former Boston Fleet captain, now PWHL Seattle member Hilary Knight, was the first-ever recipient of the award in 2023. While she had a down 2024, she bounced back on all fronts this season. Along with finishing tied for the most points (29) in the PWHL with New York Sirens rookie Sarah Fillier, and being named a finalist for the Billie Jean King MVP Award, Knight led the U.S. with nine points at the Women’s Worlds.
Knight’s former Fleet teammate Frankel was playing at an MVP level for most of the season in the PWHL, but an injury suffered in the gold medal game against Canada derailed her momentum. However, it didn’t diminish what was another great season for the American mainstay.
The goaltender who replaced her in the final against Canada was Philips. The rookie netminder did enough to help the U.S. get the win in overtime, her first gold medal with the senior national team. She rode that momentum back to the PWHL, taking the Ottawa Charge to the PWHL Final. Philips was named a finalist for the Goaltender and Rookie of the Year Awards, taking home Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP honor.
Arguably the greatest women’s hockey player of all time, Poulin put together another standout performance in Czechia, posting 12 points in seven games and was named the tournament’s MVP. On top of that, she earned the PWHL’s Top Goal Scorer Award after scoring 19 goals with the Montreal Victoire, being named an MVP and Forward of the Year finalist.
The winner will be announced shortly after voting closes on June 13.