Awards and Recognitions
Toronto's Natalie Spooner Named PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year
Natalie Spooner of Toronto has clinched both the MVP and Forward of the Year titles in the Premier Hockey Federation (PWHL), completing a remarkable season that saw her dominate the league in scoring. Spooner led the league with an impressive 20 goals and seven assists, outperforming her closest rivals, New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin.
A Remarkable Return
What makes Spooner’s achievement even more extraordinary is her journey leading up to this season. Spooner gave birth to her son at the end of 2022 and did not skate for six months ahead of the league's commencement. Despite such a lengthy hiatus, she managed to quickly regain top form, significantly impacting her team’s success.
"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."
Overcoming Adversity
In addition to her triumphant return to competition, Spooner faced additional challenges during the playoffs. She suffered a knee injury during the playoff semifinals, yet her performance throughout the season was enough to secure her the highest individual honors.
Toronto’s Triumph
Toronto also celebrated another major accolade with Troy Ryan being named Coach of the Year. Under Ryan’s leadership, Toronto achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season. His guidance propelled the team to an outstanding 11-game win streak, further cementing his capability and commitment as a coach.
Other Notable Awards
The PWHL also recognized stellar performances across various positions:
- Kristen Campbell was named Goaltender of the Year. Campbell’s exceptional skills between the posts were evident as she achieved 16 wins and three shutouts during the season.
- Erin Ambrose from Montreal earned the Defender of the Year award, accumulating 18 points in 24 games, proving her reliability and prowess on defense.
- Grace Zumwinkle from Minnesota was recognized as the Rookie of the Year, recording an impressive 19 points over 24 games in her debut season.
- Maureen Murphy received the Hockey For All Award for her exceptional volunteer work, highlighting the community spirit within the league.
A Collective Decision
The winners of these prestigious awards were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, ensuring that each accolade was well-deserved and merited based on performances and contributions to the sport.
This season has been a testament to the extraordinary talent, determination, and sportsmanship within the PWHL. As the league continues to grow, these accolades not only highlight individual excellence but also inspire upcoming players to strive for greatness both on and off the ice.