BOSTON – Sophomore forward Jessica MacKinnon has been named the Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) Best Defensive Forward, announced by the conference Thursday. The list of individual awards was voted on by the league's head coaches and up to two full-time assistant coaches.
 
MacKinnon brings home the 20th player trophy in program history and becomes the first Colonial to earn the AHA Best Defensive Forward honor, further cementing her impact on both ends of the ice this season.
 
Statistically, MacKinnon was the team's leader in assists (26), points (41), power play goals (5), game-winning goals (3) and overtime goals (2). She currently ranks second in Atlantic Hockey America in both assists and points.
 
On top of her offensive production, MacKinnon proved her value as one of the conference's premier two-way forwards. She owns a team-best plus/minus of +14, which ranks among the top 10 single-season marks in program history.
 
Appearing in all 36 games, the Clarks Harbour, Nova Scotia native took just four minor penalties all season. She logged significant minutes on the penalty kill, recorded a shorthanded assist at Penn State, and blocked 17 shots in the defensive zone.
 
Dominant at the dot, MacKinnon currently ranks second in the nation with 519 faceoff wins during her sophomore campaign, underscoring her importance in possession battles and late-game defensive situations.
 
This season, MacKinnon has compiled an impressive list of accolades, including All-AHA First Team recognition, three AHA Forward of the Week honors and one AHA Forward of the Month selection.
 
2025-26 AHA INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Meghan Agosta Player of the Year: Tessa Janecke, Penn State
Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Molly Henderson, Lindenwood
Vicki Bendus Forward of the Year: Tessa Janecke, Penn State
Molly Byrne Best Defenseman: Kendall Butze, Penn State
Brianne McLaughlin Goaltender of the Year: Katie DeSa, Penn State
Nicole Hensley Rookie of the Year: Danica Maynard, Penn State
Best Defensive Forward: Jessica MacKinnon, Robert Morris
Individual Sportsmanship Award: Kaitlin Finnegan, Delaware
Coach of the Year: Jeff Kampersal, Penn State 
AHA Scoring Champion (Most Points in Conference Play): Grace Outwater, Penn State
 
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