The Professional Women's Hockey League has announced three finalists for its 2026 Coach of the Year award. Following the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season, the league recognized the exceptional performances of Kori Cheverie, Carla MacLeod, and Kris Sparre.

Kori Cheverie’s record-breaking 16-game point streak in Montreal

Kori Cheverie led the Montreal Victoire to a dominant regular season that established the team as the league's premier powerhouse.. According to the league's announcement, Cheverie guided the Victoire to a first-place finish in the regular-season standings and a subsequent Walter Cup championship.

The Montreal Victoire's success was defined by historic consistency, including a league-record 22 wins. Most impressively, the team maintained a 16-game point streak throughout the campaign, a feat that underscores the tactical discipline Cheverie instilled in the roster during the 2026-2027 season.

Carla MacLeod’s five late-game comeback wins in Ottawa

In Ottawa, Carla MacLeod demonstrated a unique ability to manage high-pressure situations to secure a playoff spot for the Ottawa Charge. As reported by the PWHL,MacLeod's squad achieved a franchise-record 17 wins during the season.

MacLeod’s coaching impact was most visible in the team's resilience during the third period. The Ottawa Charge led the league with five victories achieved after trailing the opposition after two periods of play. This specific ability to rally in the final frame suggests a coaching style centered on late-game adjustments and mental toughness.

Kris Sparre’s 24-game playoff clinch with the Boston Fleet

Kris Sparre achieved significant success during his debut season as a head coach with the Boston Fleet. Leading the team to a second-place finish, Sparre managed the fastest playoff clinch in the history of the Professional Women's Hockey League, secring their position in just 24 games.

The rapid success of the Boston Fleet highlights Sparre's ability to implement a winning system immediately upon entering the league. By clinching a playoff berth in such a short window, Sparre has positioned himself as a rising force in the PWHL coaching ranks.

The unknown voting body behind the PWHL decision

While the three finalists have been identified, the league has not yet disclosed the specific criteria or the group responsible for the final selection. It remains unclear whether the award will be decided by a panel of media members, a vote among the players, or a decision by league executives.

Furthermore, the PWHL has not provided a specific date for the official announcement of the winner. without a confirmed timeline or a description of the voting process, fans and analysts are left to speculate on how the league intends to honor these three distinct coaching achievements.