History
Established in 1998, this award is given to the outstanding women's college hockey player of the year.
It honors the late Patty Kazmaier, who was a four-year varsity letter-winner and All-Ivy League defenseman for the Princeton University women's ice hockey team from 1981-82 through 1985-86. She died on Feb. 15, 1990 at the age of 28 following a long struggle with a rare blood disease.
Ten players are nominated for the award. The winner is chosen by an 11-member panel of coaches, members of the media, and a representative from USA Hockey.