Awards and Recognitions
Toronto’s Natalie Spooner Named PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year
In a stellar conclusion to a remarkable season, Toronto's Natalie Spooner has been named the Premier Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year. Leading the league with an impressive tally of 20 goals and seven assists, Spooner’s performance on the ice was nothing short of exceptional.
With her scoring prowess, Spooner outperformed notable competitors such as New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin. Her achievement is especially commendable considering she gave birth to her son at the end of 2022 and did not skate for six months leading up to the season. Despite these challenges, Spooner’s resilience and dedication saw her come back stronger than ever.
"I probably wouldn't have thought that it would have gone this way," Spooner admitted. "I think I was just super grateful to be playing again, to be back on the team. I was just really excited to get back out there with the girls, but I never thought that I'd be able to have, I guess, as big of an impact as I was able to have with the team."
Her season was not without its struggles; Spooner suffered a knee injury during the playoff semifinals. Nonetheless, her contributions throughout the regular season were pivotal in Toronto’s success, culminating in them achieving a league-high of 47 points.
Leading the Charge: Coach Troy Ryan
The accolades for Toronto did not end with Spooner. The team’s head coach, Troy Ryan, was named Coach of the Year. Under Ryan’s guidance, Toronto went on an impressive 11-game win streak that played a significant role in their journey to the top of the league standings.
Ryan’s strategic acumen and ability to inspire his players were instrumental in Toronto’s success, as evidenced by their league-best performance and overall points tally.
Goaltending Excellence: Kristen Campbell
Toronto's dominance was further solidified by the contributions of Kristen Campbell, who was named Goaltender of the Year. Campbell demonstrated outstanding skills between the pipes, securing 16 wins and recording three shutouts over the course of the season.
Her reliability and consistency provided Toronto with the backbone they needed to excel in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Defender of the Year: Montreal’s Erin Ambrose
From the defensive end, Montreal’s Erin Ambrose was awarded Defender of the Year. Ambrose accumulated 18 points over 24 games, showcasing her ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong defensive presence.
Ambrose’s all-around performance was a key factor in Montreal’s competitive season, and her recognition is well-deserved.
Fresh Talent: Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle
The Rookie of the Year honor went to Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle, who recorded 19 points in 24 games. Zumwinkle’s rookie campaign displayed her potential to be a future star in the league, as she consistently proved to be an essential player for her team.
Community Champion: Maureen Murphy
Beyond the achievements on the ice, the Hockey For All Award was presented to Maureen Murphy for her exceptional volunteer work. This award highlights the importance of community involvement and recognizes individuals who give back in meaningful ways.
Selection and Acknowledgements
The winners of these prestigious awards were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, ensuring that each recipient was thoroughly evaluated and considered. The recognition of these exemplary athletes and contributors underscores the talent and dedication present throughout the league.
In summary, the PWHL season was a showcase of exceptional talent and inspiring stories. From Natalie Spooner’s incredible comeback and MVP season to the unwavering leadership of Coach Troy Ryan and the standout performances by players like Kristen Campbell, Erin Ambrose, Grace Zumwinkle, and Maureen Murphy, the league has demonstrated its depth and commitment to excellence both on and off the ice.