Three players who stood out at both ends of the rink are being honored by the PWHL.
On Tuesday, the league announced that Erin Ambrose (Montreal), Megan Keller (Boston) and Ella Shelton are the three finalists for PWHL Defender of the Year.
These defenders have showcased an outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season. Erin Ambrose, Megan Keller and Ella Shelton are the finalists for 2024 Defender of the Year presented by @WoodyCreekDisti!
— PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) May 21, 2024
📰 https://t.co/9QyJoJN9GI pic.twitter.com/hmAF5ujjWL
All three blueliners were expected to be big-time players for their respective clubs, as all three were signed as free agents last year.
Shelton was one of the few bright spots on a New York team that struggled in the latter half of the season. While defensive zone metrics might not have been the most flattering, ending the season with a plus/minus of -6, the star from Ingersoll, Ontario was an efficient offensive weapon. She led all defenders with 21 points in 24 games, finishing fifth among all skaters. Shelton ended the season on a four-game point streak, scoring eight points over that span. She had a monumental moment to begin the inaugural PWHL season, scoring the first goal in league history on New Year’s Day. Shelton finished tied with teammate Alex Carpenter for the most power-play goals (10).
Ambrose came in clutch for Montreal through stretches throughout the season. Averaging over 26:26 minutes per game during the regular season, the Keswick, Ontario native ended up scoring four goals and 18 points, second to Shelton in defender scoring, and second on Montreal behind Marie-Philip Poulin. Her 14 assists were tied with the New York blueliner for most in the PWHL. Ambrose posted a season-high four helpers on April 18 against Minnesota. She finished with a plus/minus of +5.
Keller lived up to her billing on a Boston team that had its share of ups and downs heading into the playoffs. The 28-year-old might not have had the same scoring prowess during the regular season as the other two finalists, but she was exceptional in her own zone, leading all defenders with a plus/minus of +9. Keller notched four goals and 15 points in 24 games, placing her third behind Shelton and Ambrose, but second on Boston behind Alina Müller. The Farmington, Michigan native averaged 25:22 of ice time.
Winners of the PWHL Awards will be announced in June.