Patty Kazmaier Watch: Here's a Look At The NCAA's Top Contenders For 2025

The last 11 Patty Kazmaier winners are playing in the PWHL this season. The award is a prestigious recognition of the top women's hockey player in NCAA hockey. Last year the award was given to Cornell forward Izzy Daniel, who is now playing for the PWHL's Toronto Sceptres.

While Daniel has graduated, six of the top 10 finalists for the 2024 Patty Kazmaier Award are back and again contending for the award. Here's a look at some of this season's top contenders for the Patty Kazmaier.

1. Casey O'Brien, Wisconsin - Many thought the Wisconsin leader would win the award last season, which is what makes her the leading contender this season. Not only that, but O'Brien is at the top of the NCAA scoring ladder scoring just over two points per game.

2. Caroline Harvey, Wisconsin - She's the best defender in NCAA hockey, and the best all-around player. Harvey's dynamism and physicality makes her a threat at both ends of the ice. Elite does not even begin to describe her on ice play.

3. Laila Edwards, Wisconsin - It would be quite a 6 month span if the World Championship MVP also grabbed the Patty Kazmaier. If there's anyone who is going to challenge O'Brien for the national scoring lead, it's Edwards. She looks like a First Team All-American.

4. Tessa Janecke, Penn State - It's hard to believe Tessa Janecke continues to get better and she still has another season in this league. Her speed, vision, and physical play have all continued to progress. She's a special player.

5. Kirsten Simms, Wisconsin - The other top three finalist last season, Simms continues to be one of the best producers in NCAA hockey. With the puck, Simms is a magician.

6. Abbey Murphy, Minnesota - No team wants to see Murphy on the opposite side of the ice. Top five scorer and has shown more control in her physicality.

7. Kristyna Kaltounkova, Colgate - Leading the nation in goals, Kaltounkova is a physical force and pure scorer.

8. Elyssa Biederman, Colgate - Great vision, tricky hands, Biederman has been excellent yet again this season as one of NCAA hockey's most consistent scorers.

9. Jocelyn Amos, Ohio State - She's no slouch on the scoresheet, but Amos more importantly has taken over as Ohio State's on ice leader in almost every way. She's carried one of the nations top programs and is only getting better.

10. Isabel Wunder, Princeton - Probably not on any preseason list, Wunder took the opening left by Sarah Fillier and has become a force. Princeton is a program on the rise and it's in no small part due to Wunder.

Honorable Mention: Mackenzie Alexander (Princeton), Haley Winn (Clarkson), Lacey Eden (Wisconsin), Anne Cherkowski (Clarkson), Joy Dunne (Ohio State), Emmalee Pais (Colgate), Sarah Paul (Princeton)