Defensive-minded Frost forward Kelly Pannek rediscovers offensive touch to lead PWHL in scoring
May 1, 2026 — byJOHN WAWROW, Associated Press
Kelly Pannek was so determined to carve out a future in hockey while still at college, the forward made the conscious decision to sacrifice offense to focus on her shutdown skills.
The choice led to Pannek becoming a U.S. national team fixture as a three-time Olympian, beginning in 2018, and establish herself as one of women’s hockey’s best defensive forwards.
Some eight years later, Pannek discovered she hasn’t lost her scoring touch in closing her third PWHL season with Minnesota.
In a league featuring proven offensive stars in Hilary Knight and Marie-Philip Poulin, and teammates Taylor Heise and Kendall Coyne Schofield, Pannek topped them all as the two-time defending Walter Cup champion Frost open the playoffs at Montreal on Saturday.
Pannek led the PWHL with 16 goals and a league-record 33 points, and was one assist from completing what would have been rare hockey triple crown — for men or women.
About American Group Management
Founded in 2005 by sports agent Brant Feldman, American Group Management represents Olympic, Paralympic and professional athletes across the United States and Canada. AGM has represented athletes across 18 Olympic and Paralympic sports in addition to clients in the Professional Women's Hockey League, National Women's Soccer League, NCAA NIL and broadcasting. AGM provides athlete representation, contract strategy, brand partnerships, appearances, media opportunities and long-term career development.
Brant Feldman is the founder of American Group Management, LLC (AGM), a North American sports representation agency representing Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, PWHL and NWSL athletes, NCAA NIL athletes and broadcasters.
