Last night, the PHF, PHFPA, the teams, the players, and the fans all gathered for the 2022 PHF Awards. Hosted by Erica Ayala, the award ceremony was set to hand out a slate of awards based on the seventh season of the PHF. Let’s dive in and take a look at who won, and what amazing new benefit came with an amazing award.
And The Nominees and Winners Are…
First, let’s take a look at who the finalists were for each award given out last night. First up, the Denna Laing Award, given to the player who most exemplifies the qualities of perseverance sportsmanship and dedication to their sport. The nominees for this award were Elena Orlando, Mariah Fujimagari, and Jonna Curtis.
And the winner is Elena Orlando!
Next, the Newcomer of the Year award, given to the player with the best first PHF season. The nominees for this award were Anjelica Diffendal, Kali Falnagan, and Taylor Girard.
And the winner is Taylor Girard!
Then, the Defender of the Year award, given to the leagues best defender. The nominees for this award were Amanda Boulier, Lindsay Eastwood, and Dominique Kremer.
And the winner is Dominique Kremer!
Finally, for Goaltender of the Year, given to the leagues best goaltender, we have Carly Jackson, Elaine Chuli, and Katie Burt.
And the winner is Elaine Chuli!
The Fans Three Stars
The PHF put out the call, and the fans answered. The winners were read by everyone’s favorite little hockey player Desmond Garrett! The third star from the Boston Pride, Taylor Wenczkowski. The second star, from the Buffalo Beauts, Cassidy Vinkle. And he then announced the first star, from the Toronto Six, Mikyla Grant-Mentis.
The Foundation Awards
This year, the PHF announced that the Foundation Award, given to one player from every team, would come with an extra benefit. Thanks to the generosity of Principal Financial, each recipient would also be able to donate $10,000 to the charity of their choice. This award goes to the player most actively applying the core values of hockey to her community as well as growing and improving hockey culture.
Boston Pride
From the Boston Pride, this year’s Foundation Award winner is Jenna Rheault. She is making her donation to an organization called The Kid Adventures Program. The Kid Adventures Program is a before and after school organization that helps children learn social, leisure, and other skills.
Buffalo Beauts
From the Buffalo Beauts, this year’s Foundation Award winner is Grace Klienbach. She is making her donation to Kid’s For Kids. Kid’s for Kids provides all donations to The Ronald McDonald House Charities. The RMHC is an organization that helps families all over the world a safe and affordable place to stay when a child is experiencing illness that requires hospitalization.
Connecticut Whale
From the Connecticut Whale, this year’s Foundation Award winner is Shannon Doyle Turner. She is making her donation to Active Minds. Shannon raised funds with a blocked shots fundraiser this season. She and others donated funds to Active Minds. Active Minds is an organization that works towards changing the coversation around mental health.
Metropolitan Riveters
From the Metropolitan Riveters, this year’s Foundation Award winner is Madison Packer. She is making her donation to The Kyle Pavone Foundation. The Kyle Pavone Foundation provides education, awareness, and compassion to those suffering from addiction, and their families in order to enrich the memory of Kyle Pavone.
Minnesota Whitecaps
From the Minnesota Whitecaps, this year’s recipient was Allie Thunstrom. She is making her donation to to Dinomights. Dinomights centers around connecting with youth from their early elementary years through high school graduation, and providing them with the support they need to become self-assured, competent adults.
Toronto Six
From the Toronto Six, this year’s recipient was Saroya Tinker. She is making her donation to the Black Girl Hockey Club. Black Girl Hockey Club missions is to inspire and sustain passion for the game of hockey within the Black community, specifically with our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.
And Your MVP Is…
Finally, for league MVP, given to the league’s best player, we have nominees Kennedy Marchment, Allie Thunstrom, and Taylor Wenczkowski.
And the winner was announced with an incredible video montage from her teammates on the Connecticut Whale. Congratulations Kennedy Marchment! Well deserved after a phenomenal rookie campaign.
Congratulations to all of the award winners, and to every player in the PHF this season! Hopefully, more season eight signings continue to be announced so we can see the rosters round out.
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