Harvey, Murphy, Janecke named top-three finalists for 2026 Patty Kazmaier Award
A talented trio is being recognized as the best players in women’s college hockey this season.
On Wednesday, the USA Hockey Foundation announced the three finalists for the 2026 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. They are Wisconsin defender Caroline Harvey, Minnesota forward Abbey Murphy and Penn State forward Tessa Janecke.
All three players were on the United States team that won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics last month, showing the strength of the collegiate game in the U.S., as well as how dominant the Americans will be for years to come.
Harvey seems to be the frontrunner for the award. The dynamic blueliner has proved she can be the best player in all areas of the rink, and is a favorite to be picked first overall in this year’s PWHL Draft. The Salem, N.H. native sits fourth in the country with 61 points in just 30 games, sitting second in points per game (2.03). She also had a memorable performance in Milan, finishing tied with teammate Megan Keller for the most points in the tournament, earning tournament MVP and Best Defender honors in the process.
Harvey was a top-three finalist for the Patty Kaz last year, but she and teammate Laila Edwards lost out to fellow Badger Casey O’Brien.
Murphy is just a brute force that can’t seem to be stopped. The Evergreen Park, Ill. native elected to hold off on entering the PWHL after last season, returning to Minneapolis for a fifth year. The move has paid off, as she has left no stone unturned with the Golden Gophers. She sits second in the nation with 38 goals and 64 points.
Janecke might not hit 50 points for the third year in a row, but she’s certainly ending her college career on a high note. The Orangeville, Ill. native was named the Atlantic Hockey America Forward and Player of the Year for the third straight year. She has scored 23 goals and 45 points in 29 games this season, good for 14th in the NCAA in scoring.
The Patty Kazmaier Award presentation will take place during Frozen Four weekend on the campus of Penn State University, Saturday, March 21.
All three are set to participate in the 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament, which kicks off on Thursday.