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Four Western Collegiate Hockey Association student-athletes were named to the  2026 Women's Goalie of the Year award watch list, announced Wednesday afternoon by the Women’s Hockey Commissioners Association. The award was created in 2021 to recognize the top female goalie in NCAA Division I hockey. Wisconsin's Ava McNaughton won the honor in 2025, becoming the first goaltender from the WCHA to earn the award since it was established. 

Representing the WCHA on this year's initial Watch List are Minnesota's Hannah Clark, Minnesota Duluth's Ève Gascon, St. Cloud State's Emilia Kyrkkö, and Wisconsin's McNaughton. Both Gascon and McNaughton were tabbed finalists for the honor last season, with McNaughton winning the honor. Clark and Kyrkkö are making their second-consecutive apperance on the Watch list after both having standout rookie seasons last year. 

The goalies to watch come from all five NCAA Division I conferences with 16 from the United States, ten from Canada, and five from Europe (two from Finland and Sweden and one from Denmark.) 

This initial “Watch List” of outstanding goalies is comprised of those with a goals against average of 2.20 or lower or a save percentage of .923 or higher. A committee of voters — made up of a cross section of coaches, administrators, and media — will pare this list down within the next two weeks and then ultimately choose the winner who will be announced in March during the NCAA Frozen Four. NOTE: The process allows for goalies not on this first list to be considered before the first vote.

2026 Women’s Goalie of the Year Award “Watch List” - Players from the WCHA
Hannah Clark, Minnesota (SO - Oshawa, Ontario)
Ève Gascon, Minnesota Duluth (JR - Mascouche, PQ)
Emilia Kyrkkö, St. Cloud State (SO - Nokia, Finland)
Ava McNaughton, Wisconsin (JR - Seven Fields, PA)

For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.