Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award

Award Type: Recognition award presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I women's ice hockey

Geographic Scope: NCAA Division I women's ice hockey programs across the United States

Focus Areas:

• Outstanding individual and team skills
• Sportsmanship
• Performance in clutch situations
• Personal character
• Competitiveness
• Love of hockey
• Academic achievement
• Civic involvement

Eligibility:

• NCAA Division I women's ice hockey players
• Nominated by NCAA Division I women's ice hockey coaches
• Players nominated by two or more coaches are placed on official ballot

Selection Process:

• NCAA Division I women's ice hockey coaches nominate candidates
• Coaches vote on top-10 finalists via ballot
• PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP tabulates ballots
• 13-person selection committee (NCAA coaches, print/broadcast media, at-large member, USA Hockey representative) selects three finalists and winner

About the Award:
Named in honor of Patty Kazmaier, a four-year varsity letter-winner and All-Ivy League defenseman at Princeton University (1981-86). Kazmaier helped lead the Tigers to the Ivy League Championship in three consecutive seasons (1981-84) and passed away February 15, 1990, at age 28 following a long struggle with a rare blood disease.

Contact:
For more information and to sign up for the Kaz Connection (free monthly e-newsletter): PattyKaz.com

Recent Winner:
Caroline Harvey (University of Wisconsin) - 2026 winner, only the third defender to win the award

Selection Process

1. Nomination Phase (Early March)
   • NCAA Division I women's ice hockey coaches nominate eligible players
   • Coaches submit nominations through official process
2. Ballot Phase
   • Players nominated by two or more coaches are placed on official ballot
   • Ballot is sent to coaches for voting on top-10 finalists
3. Tabulation
   • PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP tabulates ballots independently
4. Committee Selection (Mid-March)
   • 13-person selection committee reviews top-10 finalists
   • Committee consists of:
   • NCAA Division I women's ice hockey coaches
   • Representatives of print and broadcast media
   • At-large member
   • USA Hockey representative
   • Committee selects three finalists
   • Committee selects award recipient
5. Announcement and Ceremony (Late March)
   • Top-3 finalists announced
   • Award presented at brunch ceremony during NCAA Women's Frozen Four weekend

Required Materials

• Nomination must come from NCAA Division I women's ice hockey coach
• No direct application required from players

Additional Information

• Tickets available to award ceremony and brunch
• Individual seats: $65
• Tables of 10: $600
• Sponsorships and program advertisements available