IIHF unveils six-player shortlist for 2026 IIHF Female Player of the Year award
A few of the best players in the game are being recognized for their performance on the world stage.
On Thursday, the International Ice Hockey Federation revealed the six finalists for the 2026 IIHF Female Player of the Year award. United States teammates Caroline Harvey, Laild Edwards, and Taylor Heise are up for the honor, as well as Canada’s Ann-Renee Desbiens and Marie-Philip Poulin. To round out the field is Switzerland star Alina Muller, who was crucial in her team’s bronze-medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Harvey was the star of the show in Milan. The dynamic defender received praise from all around the sport for her play during the tournament. In seven games, she scored two goals and nine points, finishing tied with teammate Megan Keller for the tournament lead in scoring. She was named the Olympics’ best defender and most valuable player in the U.S.’ run to its third gold medal. This is the third time Harvey has been nominated for the award.
Edwards was another exceptional talent who proved that she’s one of the most versatile players in hockey, regardless of what level. The Wisconsin Badger finished tied for third in points with Canada’s Daryl Watts, posting eight points in seven games. Like Harvey, she was named to the tournament all-star team. This is the second straight year Edwards has been nominated for Female Player of the Year.
Heise might not have been the most prolific scorer for the Americans in Milan, but she was a key part of the leadership group and veteran core that helped the Americans win gold for the first time since 2018. The Minnesota Frost star also finished second in the PWHL in scoring this past season with 30 points in 30 games. Heise was a finalist for the honor in 2024.
Poulin had to battle injury at the Olympics, as a hurt knee forced her to miss Canada’s final two group-stage games. Yet, she came back in time for the knockout stage, grinding through the pain to set the women’s Olympic hockey record for goals. Poulin is the first and only player to be nominated for Female Player of the Year all four years, and is looking to become the first two-time winner after taking home the award last year.
Desbiens backstopped Canada to another gold medal game at the Olympics, and despite losing to the rival Americans, she certainly solidified her status as one of the best goaltenders in the world. She went 4-1 in Milan, with a 1.92 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage with one shutout. Desbiens is a first-time nominee for the honor.
Switzerland was one of the surprises of the tournament, winning just its second Olympic medal, and first since 2014. Leading the charge was Muller. The standard of Swiss hockey, the 28-year-old led her team in scoring with four goals and six points, scoring the game-winning goal in the bronze medal game. Muller was nominated for the IIHF FPoY in 2024.
Hilary Knight won the first IIHF Female Player of the Year award in 2023, with Natalie Spooner earning the honor the following year.
The winner will be decided by 80 members of the media from the international hockey community, as well as media representatives.