Awards and Recognitions
Natalie Spooner: PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year
In a stellar showcase of skill and determination, Toronto’s star player Natalie Spooner has been named the PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year. This accolade comes after an extraordinary season where Spooner led the league in scoring with 20 goals and seven assists.
Spooner’s achievements are particularly noteworthy as she outperformed other remarkable players, including New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin. Both athletes are recognized for their exceptional talents, making Spooner's top-ranking performance even more impressive.
Overcoming Adversity
Spooner's journey this season was far from easy. She gave birth to her son at the end of 2022 and did not skate for six months leading up to the season. Despite this significant hiatus, her return to the ice was nothing short of remarkable. She overcame personal and physical challenges, even suffering a knee injury during the playoff semifinals, yet still managed to deliver outstanding performances game after game.
Reflecting on her incredible season, Spooner said, "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. 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."
Troy Ryan: Coach of the Year
Toronto also celebrated another significant honor as Troy Ryan was named Coach of the Year. Under Ryan’s strategic leadership, Toronto achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season. His guidance was pivotal in the team's success, leading them to an impressive 11-game win streak.
Kristen Campbell: Goaltender of the Year
Kristen Campbell, another standout from Toronto, earned the title of Goaltender of the Year. Campbell's stellar performances between the pipes were critical for her team, leading to 16 wins and achieving three shutouts over the season.
Erin Ambrose: Defender of the Year
From Montreal, Erin Ambrose was recognized as Defender of the Year. Over 24 games, Ambrose accumulated 18 points, showcasing her defensive prowess and considerable contribution to her team's overall performance.
Grace Zumwinkle: Rookie of the Year
Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle was honored as Rookie of the Year. In her debut season, Zumwinkle recorded 19 points in 24 games. Her impressive performance has marked her as a promising talent to watch in the future.
Maureen Murphy: Hockey For All Award
In a celebration of dedication to the community, Maureen Murphy earned the Hockey For All Award. This special recognition was awarded for her exceptional volunteer work, highlighting the importance of contributions off the ice.
Selection Process
The winners of these prestigious awards were chosen by an 18-member selection committee. This panel of experts meticulously evaluated the performances and contributions of each candidate, ensuring that the most deserving individuals were honored for their achievements.