Fast, Jaques, Thompson named finalists for PWHL defender of the year award
Renata Fast of Toronto Sceptres plus Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson from the Minnesota Frost have been named finalists for the PWHL’s defender of the year award, the league announced Wednesday.
Renata Fast of Toronto Sceptres plus Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson from the Minnesota Frost have been named finalists for the PWHL’s defender of the year award, the league announced Wednesday.
The award is presented to the player who exceptionally performs in the defensive position during the regular season.
Fast established herself as a formidable two-way defensive player, recording 16 assists and a league-leading 63 hits throughout the season. The Sceptres alternate captain also led all players in ice time at 739:49 minutes in 30 games, making her a blue-line cornerstone.
Jaques also put in the work, racking up 12 more points than her debut season and tying Fast for most points among defenders (22). The Frost blue-liner also led defenders with 75 shots on goal and was second overall with a plus-12 among rearguards.
Thompson’s nomination is no surprise. The third overall draft pick was the only defender to record a four-point game, tying the record with three other forwards. She was also the only defender to record a five-game assist streak, proving her skill in front of and behind the blue-line.
Voting for the awards took place between the end of the regular season and the beginning of the playoffs.
Montreal’s Erin Ambrose was the inaugural winner of the award last season.
The PWHL Awards ceremony will take place June 25 in Ottawa at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
