The annual prize is presented by the USA Hockey Foundation to the best women's ice hockey player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I.

Giguere, who is from Quebec, was chosen ahead of two other finalists – Swiss player Alina Muller and another Canadian, Abby Roque.

She plays as a junior forward for Clarkson University in New York and closed out the 2019-2020 season with 37 goals.

Her tally includes 10 game-winning goals while she recorded 66 points in total.

"It would be hard to say that any one player has elevated their game or put their team on their shoulders more than Elizabeth has this year," said Matt Desrosiers, head coach of the Clarkson women's ice hockey team. 

"We have been fortunate to have had some great players come through our programme, but Elizabeth has displayed the ability to do things on the ice that just make you shake your head in amazement. 

"One of the best attributes she has shown is the capability to make everyone around her better."