Awards and Recognitions
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) celebrated its most outstanding players and coaches of the season, with Toronto taking center stage. Leading the accolades was Natalie Spooner, who was named both the PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year.
Natalie Spooner: MVP and Forward of the Year
Spooner had an extraordinary season, leading the league in scoring with 20 goals and seven assists. Her phenomenal performance placed her ahead of stiff competition, including New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin.
Impressively, Spooner's achievements come after a significant personal milestone. She gave birth to her son at the end of 2022 and did not skate for six months leading up to the season. Her perseverance and dedication paid off, culminating in a season that surpassed even her expectations.
Spooner's Comeback
"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."
Despite a knee injury during the playoff semifinals, Spooner's impact on the ice was undeniable. "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.
Toronto's Triumph
Toronto's success was not limited to Spooner's individual accolades. The team achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season, under the exemplary leadership of Coach Troy Ryan. Ryan's exceptional guidance steered Toronto to an 11-game win streak, earning him the title of Coach of the Year.
Kristen Campbell: Goaltender of the Year
Toronto's dominance extended to the net, with Kristen Campbell being named Goaltender of the Year. Campbell's stellar performance included 16 wins and three shutouts, solidifying her as a cornerstone of the team's defense.
Montreal's Erin Ambrose: Defender of the Year
Erin Ambrose of Montreal was recognized for her exceptional play, being named Defender of the Year. Over the course of 24 games, Ambrose accumulated 18 points, showcasing her versatility and skill on the blue line.
Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle: Rookie of the Year
Another standout this season was Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle, who was named Rookie of the Year. In her debut season, Zumwinkle recorded 19 points in 24 games, demonstrating immense promise and potential for the future.
Maureen Murphy: Hockey For All Award
Maureen Murphy's contributions went beyond the rink as she earned the Hockey For All Award for her exceptional volunteer work. Murphy's dedication to community service highlights the spirit of hockey as not just a sport, but a force for good.
Selection Process
The winners of these prestigious awards were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of each candidate's contributions and performance throughout the season.
This year’s PWHL awards not only underscore the individual talents of its players and coaches but also the resilience and dedication that define women’s hockey. From Natalie Spooner’s remarkable comeback to the relentless pursuit of excellence by Toronto, these recognitions serve as a testament to the bright future of the league. As players continue to break barriers and set new standards, fans can look forward to even more thrilling seasons ahead.