Awards and Recognitions in the PWHL
Natalie Spooner: MVP and Forward of the Year
Toronto's Natalie Spooner has been honored with the titles of MVP and Forward of the Year in the Premier Hockey Federation (PWHL). Spooner led the league in scoring, delivering an impressive 20 goals and seven assists. Her exceptional performance put her ahead of notable players such as New York’s Alex Carpenter and Montreal’s Marie-Philip Poulin.
What makes Spooner’s achievements even more remarkable is her journey leading up to the season. Spooner gave birth to her son at the end of 2022 and did not skate for six months before the season started. Despite these challenges, she returned to the ice with determination and skill that set a new benchmark for the league.
However, her season was not without adversity. Spooner suffered a knee injury during the playoff semifinals, adding yet another hurdle to her already eventful year. Nevertheless, her contributions to Toronto’s success this season cannot be overstated.
Reflecting on her 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."
Toronto's Triumphs Under Coach Troy Ryan
The awards did not stop at individual accolades for Toronto. Troy Ryan, Toronto’s head coach, received the Coach of the Year award after leading the team to numerous victories. Under Ryan’s guidance, Toronto achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season and embarked on an impressive 11-game win streak, solidifying their dominance in the league.
Kristen Campbell: Goaltender of the Year
Toronto’s Kristen Campbell was named Goaltender of the Year, adding to the team's list of accomplishments. Campbell’s stellar performance between the pipes led to 16 wins and three shutouts, showcasing her exceptional skills and solidifying her status as the top goaltender in the league.
Defender and Rookie of the Year: Montreal and Minnesota Shine
Montreal's Erin Ambrose took home the Defender of the Year award after accumulating 18 points over 24 games. Her defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively made her a key player for Montreal throughout the season.
Minnesota's Grace Zumwinkle was named Rookie of the Year, making a significant impact in her debut season. Zumwinkle recorded 19 points in 24 games, demonstrating her potential and earning recognition as the league’s standout newcomer.
Maureen Murphy: Hockey For All Award
The Hockey For All Award, given for exceptional volunteer work, was awarded to Maureen Murphy. Murphy's dedication to the community and her efforts off the ice have not gone unnoticed, making her a deserving recipient of this special recognition.
Selection Committee and Final Thoughts
The winners of these prestigious awards were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, ensuring a thorough and fair evaluation process. The committee's decisions reflect the outstanding talent and contributions of each award recipient to the PWHL throughout the season.
As the PWHL season comes to a close, the achievements of Natalie Spooner and her peers highlight the incredible talent and dedication present in women’s hockey. These awards not only celebrate individual and team accomplishments but also serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes.