Kelly Pannek Bio
Kelly Maureen Pannek is an American professional ice hockey player for the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Born on December 29, 1995, in Plymouth, Minnesota, she began her career playing in high school and set a state record for the quickest natural hat trick. Pannek has represented the United States in multiple international tournaments, including winning a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Kelly Pannek grew up in Plymouth, Minnesota, where she developed a passion for sports from a young age. She attended Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, where she excelled in both ice hockey and soccer. During her high school career, Pannek made a significant mark by setting a state record for the quickest natural hat trick, scoring three goals in just 22 seconds during a game in 2012. This remarkable achievement highlighted her talent and potential as an athlete. In addition to her accomplishments in hockey, Pannek was also recognized in soccer, being named the 2013 Minnesota Ms. Soccer. After high school, she pursued higher education while continuing to develop her skills in ice hockey.
Path to Hockey
Pannek played for the University of Minnesota, where she had an outstanding collegiate career. Over the course of 157 games, she accumulated 186 points, showcasing her scoring ability and playmaking skills. In 2017, she was a finalist for the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award, which honors the top player in women’s college ice hockey. That same year, she helped lead her team to a national championship, securing the title for the second consecutive year. After taking a leave of absence during the 2017-18 season to train with the United States Olympic team, Pannek returned to the University of Minnesota to captain the team in the 2018-19 season. Following her collegiate career, she was drafted 4th overall by the Minnesota Whitecaps in the 2018 NWHL Draft, marking her transition into professional hockey.
Kelly Pannek Career
Early Career (2014–Present)
Kelly Pannek began her professional career in 2014 and has been active in the sport ever since. After being drafted by the Minnesota Whitecaps, she joined the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), where she continued to develop her skills and compete at a high level. Pannek’s commitment to the sport and her dedication to training have allowed her to maintain a prominent presence in women’s hockey.
Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Pannek’s breakthrough moment came during the 2018 Winter Olympics, where she represented Team USA. She played a crucial role in the team’s success, contributing two assists in five games and finishing in the tournament’s top 10 for faceoff percentage. Her performance in the gold medal game included a significant assist on the game-tying goal, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Pannek’s contributions to the national team continued with her participation in subsequent international tournaments, including the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Kelly Pannek has achieved numerous milestones, including her gold medal win at the 2018 Winter Olympics. She has consistently demonstrated her skills on the ice, earning recognition for her contributions to the sport. As a member of the Minnesota Frost, she continues to be a key player in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Kelly Pannek Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Kelly Pannek has received various nominations and accolades, particularly during her time in college and with the national team. Her recognition as a Patty Kazmaier Award Finalist in 2017 stands out as a significant achievement in her early career.
Kelly Pannek Awards Won
Kelly Pannek’s most notable achievement is her gold medal win at the 2018 Winter Olympics. This accomplishment highlights her skill and dedication to the sport of ice hockey.
Kelly Pannek Family
Information regarding Kelly Pannek’s family is not publicly available. Details about her parents or siblings have not been disclosed.
Personal Life
Kelly Pannek has a bachelor’s degree in finance, which she earned during her time at the University of Minnesota. While specific details about her personal life are limited, her commitment to both her academic and athletic pursuits is evident in her career trajectory.
