Patty Kazmaier Award

The presentation of the 2025 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, which honors the top player in the NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey, will take place Saturday, March 22, on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The ceremony, which is open to the public and is free to attend, will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. CT and will be televised live on NHL Network. A free autograph signing with women’s hockey legends will be held immediately following the ceremony.

“This highlights all of the best players in the NCAA, so it’s a privilege and a great honor to be part of that,” Kaltounková said. “It’s a great honor for all of the hard work I put into practices and games and my years at Colgate, but it also highlights my team and the family and friends I have around me,because I wouldn’t be able to reach any of those achievements, especially the top 10 of the Patty Kazmaier Award, without any of them.”

Kaltounková is already one of the most accomplished players in Colgate history.

She already holds the school records for most goals (111), game-winning goals (19) and power-play goals (37). With 233 career points, she is just six shy of the school record held by Danielle Serdachny, a top-three finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2023. 

Now, with the NCAA Tournament left to play, Kaltounková is tied for fourth in the nation with 26 goals — four shy of the school record of 30 set by Jessie Eldridge, a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kaz in 2019.

“It’s not easy to score goals in this league because there are so many great players and goalies playing against us,” said Kaltounková, whose 48 points are tied for 11th in the nation. “With the points, I consider myself a team player and I love to pass the puck as much as I love to shoot. Any kind of success of my own, or my teammates, I cherish, appreciate and celebrate.”

Colgate coach Stefan Decosse said Kaltounková has the ability to influence games in a variety of ways, but it’s her willingness to play a 200-foot game that sets her apart. He added that Colgate leaned on its fifth-year assistant captain, and she has delivered in the biggest moments.

“Kalty has been a stabilizing force for us on the ice all season,” Decosse said. “She is a rare blend of intelligence, physical strength and elite offensive instincts, making her a dominant power forward at the NCAA level.”

Kaltounková doesn’t want to think about the fact that her collegiate career is nearing completion. She is a member of the Rising Raiders youth mentorship program, provides one-on-one coaching to local hockey players in the Hamilton community and also volunteers at Cornerstone Community Church in Utica, New York.

Kaltounková appreciates not only her tight-knit teammates, but also the surrounding community, which has congratulated her on big moments and wished the best of luck before key contests.

“Colgate has brought so many amazing people into my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Kaltounková said. “I’m trying to soak it all in and get the most out of it.”

After the college season, Kaltounková will play for the Czech National Team at the IIHF Women’s World Championships before a professional career, as she intends to declare for the upcoming PWHL Draft.

“I’m going to focus on preparing myself mentally and physically to be in the best shape, for not just the draft, but throughout the summer and when the season starts,” Kaltounková said. “I would be super honored to play in the PWHL and to be selected to a team.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.