USA’s Caroline Harvey named women’s Olympic hockey MVP
One of the most skilled players at the Winter Olympics has been crowned.
On Thursday, United States defender Caroline Harvey was named the most valuable player of the women’s ice hockey tournament.
Caroline Harvey is the MVP of women's Olympic tournament!🇺🇸👏 iihf.com/en/events/2026… #Olympics #MilanoCortina2026 #IIHF @usahockey
Harvey was also named the tournament’s best defender, along with being honored on the Media All-Star Team.
It was an easy decision to name the Wisconsin Badger the best player in the women’s tournament. Her versatile play made her the talk of the tournament, as she helped the U.S. finish atop the Group A standings, beating Canada in the preliminary round for the first time since 1998. The Americans went on to beat their northern rivals in a thrilling gold medal game, clinching the team’s third gold medal at the Winter Games.
Harvey ended up with two goals and seven assists for nine points, finishing tied with teammate Megan Keller for the most points in the tournament. Their performances place them tied for second all-time in points by a defender in a single women’s Olympic hockey tournament.
It’s certainly a far cry from Harvey’s first appearance at the Olympics. Four years ago in Beijing, she didn’t register a single point, leaving her to doubt her ability. Now, she’s regarded as one of the best blueliners in all of hockey and is a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 PWHL Draft.
Other players were honored for their efforts in Milan. Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who missed over two games due to a lower-body injury, was named the best forward, scoring three goals and four points. This, despite her linemate, Daryl Watts, leading all forwards with eight points in the tournament.
Switzerland’s Andrew Brandli was named the best goaltender of the tournament. The veteran helped her team defeat Sweden to win the bronze medal on Thursday. Along with two wins, she posted a .953 save percentage that was second only to U.S. backstop Aerin Frankel.
Below is the Media All-Star Team:
Andrea Brandli, G (Switzerland)
Caroline Harvey, D (USA)
Laila Edwards, D (USA)
Hannah Bilka, F (USA)
Marie-Philip Poulin, F (Canada)
Alina Muller, F (Switzerland)