Awards and Recognitions in the PWHL
Natalie Spooner Triumphs as PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year
Toronto’s own Natalie Spooner has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Forward of the Year in the Premier Hockey Federation (PWHL). Credited for leading the league with an impressive tally of 20 goals and seven assists, Spooner has been a critical force in Toronto's successful season. Her outstanding performance saw her outshine competitors like New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin.
A Remarkable Comeback
Adding to the impressiveness of her achievement, Spooner had given birth to her son at the end of 2022. Despite this, she managed an extraordinary comeback, not skating for six months leading up to the season. Her return to the ice transcended expectations, marking an inspirational chapter in her career.
"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."
Her sentiment reflects her humility and dedication. "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," she added.
Overcoming Adversity
Despite suffering a knee injury during the playoff semifinals, Spooner's tenacity and determination never faltered. This spirit was critical in leading Toronto to not only dominate the season but also establish significant milestones along the way.
Troy Ryan: Coach of the Year
Toronto’s coaching staff also garnered accolades for their exceptional work. Head Coach Troy Ryan was named Coach of the Year, an award well-deserved given Toronto's performance throughout the season. Under his leadership, the team achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season and boasted an 11-game winning streak. Ryan's strategic prowess and motivational skills were indispensable to Toronto's success.
Kristen Campbell Named Goaltender of the Year
Toronto’s Kristen Campbell also received recognition as Goaltender of the Year. Campbell's statistics speak volumes about her skill between the pipes. With 16 wins and three shutouts, she was a stalwart in Toronto's defensive lineup.
Defender of the Year: Erin Ambrose
Montreal’s Erin Ambrose was honored as Defender of the Year after accumulating 18 points over 24 games. A backbone to Montreal's defense, Ambrose’s capability to both defend and contribute offensively made her standout in the league.
Rookie of the Year: Grace Zumwinkle
Grace Zumwinkle of Minnesota earned the Rookie of the Year title, recording 19 points in 24 games. Her seamless integration into professional play highlighted her as one of the league’s most promising new talents.
Hockey For All Award: Maureen Murphy
Another notable recognition is the Hockey For All Award, which was given to Maureen Murphy for her exceptional volunteer work. This award underscores the importance of community engagement and Murphy’s commitment to making a positive impact off the ice.
Selection Process
The winners across all categories were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation of each candidate’s contributions and performance over the season.
In an exciting season filled with stellar performances and remarkable comebacks, the PWHL has seen a host of its talent recognized for their dedication, skill, and impact on the game. From seasoned veterans like Natalie Spooner to rising stars like Grace Zumwinkle, the recipients of these awards epitomize the excellence and spirit of women's hockey.