Edwards named Bob Allen Player of the Year
May 29, 2024 | Women's Hockey
Sophomore earns national player of the year honor from USA Hockey
MADISON, Wis. – After leading the Wisconsin women's hockey team to its 15th NCAA Frozen Four appearance and earning most valuable player of the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championship, Badger sophomore Laila Edwards has been named the Bob Allen Player of the Year, USA Hockey announced on Thursday.Â
Edwards is the sixth Badger to earn the honor, which is awarded annually by USA Hockey to the top American women's hockey player, joining the likes of Jessie Vetter (2009), Meghan Duggan (2011), Hilary Knight (2014 and 2022), Abby Roque (2020) and Caroline Harvey (2023).Â
"I'm so grateful to win the Bob Allen Player of the Year Award," Edwards said. "To be alongside such an incredible list of players and to be presented with such a special award, it's an honor to say the least."Â
A native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Edwards enjoyed a sensational sophomore season for the Cardinal and White. The forward posted a career-high 56 points on 21 goals and 35 assists and had 17 multi-point efforts. A third-team All-WCHA honoree, Edwards recorded four points in UW's win over Ohio State in the WCHA Final Faceoff title game to earn all-tournament honors.
Edwards made her debut with the U.S. senior women's hockey team last fall, becoming the first Black woman to suit up for the team. The winger made an impact at the 2024 IIHF Women's World Championship in April, being named the MVP of the tournament with six goals, which was tied for the tournament lead. Edwards, who recorded a hat trick in a semifinal win over Finland, was also named to the media all-star team with fellow Badger teammate Caroline Harvey.Â
Edwards will be recognized for her accomplishment at the USA Hockey President's Awards Dinner on June 7 in Colorado.Â
Â
