Awards and Recognitions
Natalie Spooner Named PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year
In an exhilarating season for the Premier Hockey Federation’s Women's Hockey League (PWHL), Toronto’s own Natalie Spooner has been named both the MVP and Forward of the Year. Spooner dominated the league with an impressive 20 goals and seven assists, outshining competitors such as New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin.
Remarkably, Spooner's achievements come on the heels of giving birth to her son at the end of 2022. She did not skate for six months leading up to the season, making her performance even more extraordinary. Despite suffering a knee injury during the playoff semifinals, Spooner’s tenacity earned her the top honors.
Toronto’s Coach of the Year: Troy Ryan
Toronto's success this season can also be attributed to their Coach of the Year, Troy Ryan. Under Ryan’s guidance, Toronto achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season and went on an impressive 11-game win streak. His strategic acumen and leadership undoubtedly played a crucial role in the team’s outstanding performance.
Kristen Campbell: Goaltender of the Year
Toronto’s dominance didn’t stop at the MVP and Coaching honors. Kristen Campbell was recognized as the Goaltender of the Year, boasting 16 wins and three shutouts. Campbell’s consistency and reliability between the posts were pivotal to Toronto’s successful run.
Defender and Rookie of the Year
Recognition of top players extended beyond Toronto. Montreal’s Erin Ambrose was named Defender of the Year after accumulating 18 points over 24 games. Ambrose’s defensive skills and ability to contribute offensively made her an invaluable asset to her team.
Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle took home the Rookie of the Year award. Zumwinkle recorded 19 points in 24 games, showcasing her potential as a future star in the league.
Maureen Murphy Earns the Hockey For All Award
Maureen Murphy was honored with the Hockey For All Award, which celebrates exceptional volunteer work within the community. Murphy's commitment to making the sport more inclusive and accessible has not gone unnoticed and serves as an inspiration to everyone involved in hockey.
Selection Committee and Quotes
The winners were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, ensuring that the accolades reflect a wide range of expert opinions.
Reflecting on her journey, Natalie Spooner shared, "I probably wouldn't have thought that it would have gone this way. I think I was just super grateful to be playing again, to be back on the team." She added, "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."
As the season comes to a close, the accomplishments of these players and coaches highlight the exceptional talent and dedication present in the PWHL. Their stories of perseverance and triumph will surely inspire the next generation of hockey players and fans.