UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State senior forward and captain Tessa Janecke has been named one of three finalists for the 2026 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey.

The Orangeville, Ill. native has been named a top 10 finalist in both 2024-25 and 2023-24, but this marks the first time in Penn State program history that a skater has been named a top three finalist for the honor.

In 2025-26, Janecke is averaging 1.55 points per game, tallying 45 (23G-22A) through 29 games, which leads Atlantic Hockey America (AHA). The 2026 Olympic Gold Medalist’s eight power play goals this season are tied for the third-most in Division I.

For skaters who have played in 29 games or fewer, Janecke’s 23 goals, 22 assists and 45 points are all the third-most in the nation in their respective categories.

Janecke became Penn State’s all-time leading scorer in program history on Jan. 18, 2025. In 143 career games at Penn State, the senior has totaled 198 points (86G-112A) through 143 career games played.

No. 3-seeded Penn State is set to play the winner of UConn vs. Princeton on Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m. ET to begin play in the 2026 NC Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament at Pegula Ice Arena.

The 2026 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award presentation will take place during the Women’s Frozen Four weekend on March 21 at the HUB-Robeson Center on Penn State University’s campus, at 12:30 p.m. ET. The event is free to attend and will be broadcast live on NHL Network.

ABOUT ATLANTIC HOCKEY AMERICA
Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) is in its second season following the merger between the Atlantic Hockey Association and College Hockey America. The conference fields 10 Division I men's teams and seven women's teams. For more information, visit atlantichockeyamerica.com.

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