Following a vote by the IIHF Historical Committee, six outstanding players from three nations have been selected as finalists for one of international hockey’s most prestigious individual honours. The shortlist features three Americans, two Canadians, and one Swiss star, all of whom delivered exceptional performances on both the international and domestic stage this season.

The nominees are:

• Ann-Renée Desbiens, G (Canada)

• Laila Edwards, D (USA)

• Caroline Harvey, D (USA)

• Taylor Heise, F (USA)

• Alina Müller, F (Switzerland)

• Marie-Philip Poulin, F (Canada)

The IIHF Female Player of the Year Award recognizes the player who best exemplifies exceptional skill, determination, team success, and sporting character both on and off the ice throughout the season.

To be eligible, players must have competed in at least one IIHF championship during the season (this means the Olympic Games or U18 Women’s World Championship), as well as in a top-level domestic league. Their combined performances across both international and club competition are evaluated against their peers worldwide.

The winner will be selected through a vote involving more than 80 members of the international hockey community, including media representatives and members of the IIHF Family. While these six players have earned finalist status, voters are not restricted to the shortlist and may nominate another deserving player.

From Olympic heroes and world-class defenders to elite scorers and inspirational leaders, the 2026 nominees represent the very best of women’s hockey today.

Here is a closer look at the achievements of each finalist during the 2025–26 season (listed alphabetically):

Ann-Renee Desbiens, G (CAN)

Nominated for the first time, Desbiens won a silver medal with Canada at the 2026 Olympics. She posted a 3-2 record and a GAA of 1.82. In the PWHL, Desbiens had a spectacular season. She led the league in GAA (1.11) and tied for the most wins (19). She was second with seven shutouts. In the playoffs, Desbiens led the Montreal Victoire to their first Walter Cup championship. She ranked number one in games played (9), wins (6), shutouts (2), GAA (1.40), and save % (.940).

Laila Edwards, D (USA)

A second-time nominee (2025), Edwards helped USA win a gold medal at the 2026 Olympics. She also tied for second in scoring (2+6=8) and was named to the Olympic All-Star Team/Defence. In domestic play, Edwards was a key member of the NCAA champion Wisconsin Badgers.


 

Caroline Harvey, D (USA)

This is the third nomination for Harvey (2023, 2025), a defender who shone at the Olympics and in the NCAA. She won gold with the USA at the Olympics and was named tournament MVP. Harvey led the tournament with seven assists and tied for first in scoring (2+7=9). In the NCAA, she led the Wisconsin Badgers to a national title and was named winner of the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Trophy. She also finished third in scoring over the NCAA season.
 

Taylor Heise, F (USA)

Hiese is being nominated for the second time (2024). She also won Olympic gold with USA and finished 2nd in PWHL scoring (30 points) with the Minnesota Frost during the regular season.




 

Alina Muller, F (SUI)

Muller is also a two-time nominee (2024) and is coming off a fabulous season both at the Olympics and in the PWHL. In the former, she scored OT winner to win Olympic bronze for the Swiss. In the latter, she was the top European scorer in the PWHL (Boston Fleet, 21 points in 30 games). In addition, she was tied for second in assists in the PWHL’s regular season (17).

 

Marie-Philip Poulin, F (CAN)

Poulin is the only player to be nominated all four years of the award, and she was the winner last year. She won an Olympic silver with Canada and tied for second in goals (3) despite missing two games with injury. In the PWHL, she saved her best for last. Poulin led the Montreal Victoire to a Walter Cup championship and was named Walter Cup MVP. As well, she tied for the lead in playoff scoring (8 points in 9 games.

The IIHF Female Player of the Year trophy is housed permanently at the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the winner is presented with a smaller version for the player to keep. 

Previous Winners 

2024-25    Marie-Philip Poulin (CAN)

2023-24    Natalie Spooner (CAN) 

2022-23    Hilary Knight (USA)