Awards and Recognitions
Natalie Spooner Named PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year
Toronto's Natalie Spooner has been named the Premier Women's Hockey League (PWHL) MVP and Forward of the Year. Spooner had an exceptional season, leading the league in scoring with 20 goals and seven assists.
Spooner outperformed strong competitors like New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin, further solidifying her position as a top player in the league.
Amazingly, Spooner achieved these milestones despite giving birth to her son at the end of 2022. Remarkably, she did not skate for six months leading up to the season. Spooner's dedication and resilience were evident, although she faced additional challenges; a knee injury during the playoff semifinals tested her limits. Despite these setbacks, Spooner’s performance on the ice remained unmatched.
Coach of the Year: Troy Ryan
In addition to Spooner's individual accolades, Toronto had more reasons to celebrate. Troy Ryan was named Coach of the Year, an honor well-deserved considering Toronto's remarkable performance this season. Under Ryan’s leadership, Toronto achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season and embarked on an impressive 11-game win streak.
Recognizing Excellence in the Goal
Kristen Campbell was named Goaltender of the Year, marking another highlight for Toronto. Campbell’s goaltending was pivotal to the team's success, amassing 16 wins and three shutouts. Her consistency between the pipes provided the team with a reliable last line of defense, further demonstrating her critical role in Toronto's achievements.
Defensive Prowess: Erin Ambrose
Montreal's Erin Ambrose was named Defender of the Year, acknowledging her solid contributions on the blue line. Ambrose accumulated 18 points over 24 games, showcasing her ability to contribute offensively while maintaining strong defensive play.
Rookie of the Year: Grace Zumwinkle
Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle received the Rookie of the Year award. Zumwinkle had an impressive debut season, recording 19 points in 24 games. Her performance highlights her potential to become one of the league's future stars.
The Hockey For All Award: Maureen Murphy
Recognizing contributions off the ice, Maureen Murphy earned the Hockey For All Award for her exceptional volunteer work. Murphy’s dedication to the community has set a precedent for other players, demonstrating the impact of giving back.
The winners were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, ensuring that the awards were determined by a diverse group of experts who recognize the talents and contributions of the players, coaches, and volunteers involved in the league.
Quotes from the MVP
Reflecting on her achievements, Spooner shared, "I probably wouldn't have thought that it would have gone this way." She added, "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."
Spooner's humility and gratitude resonate, illustrating her team-first mentality despite her individual success. Her journey from maternity leave to MVP is inspiring, highlighting her resilience and passion for the game.
In summary, the PWHL season has been filled with extraordinary performances and memorable highlights. From Spooner's dominant scoring prowess to Ryan's exceptional coaching, the recognitions reflect the hard work and dedication of all the awardees. As the league continues to grow, the accomplishments of these individuals set a high standard for excellence in women’s hockey.