Toronto’s Natalie Spooner Named PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year
In a historic moment for women’s hockey, Toronto’s own Natalie Spooner has been named the Professional Women's Hockey League’s (PWHL) Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year. Spooner's achievement follows an exceptional season where she led the league in scoring with 20 goals and seven assists. This recognition comes during the league's inaugural season, marking a significant milestone for both Spooner and the PWHL.
Despite facing stiff competition, Spooner outperformed New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin to clinch the prestigious awards. This accomplishment is even more remarkable considering Spooner gave birth to her son at the end of 2022 and did not skate for six months leading up to the season. Unsure of how she would perform after such a lengthy hiatus, Spooner defied odds and exceeded all expectations.
Overcoming Adversity
Spooner's journey this season was not without its challenges. During the playoff semifinals, she suffered a knee injury that necessitated surgery. This unfortunate turn of events allowed Minnesota to capitalize and rally from a 2-0 deficit to win both the series and the league title. Spooner has not provided a timetable for her recovery, highlighting the unpredictable nature of her return. Interestingly, she mentioned that recovering from a knee injury can be more predictable than recovery post-childbirth.
"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. 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."
Coaching Excellence: Troy Ryan
Toronto's success this season can also be attributed to their Coach of the Year, Troy Ryan. Ryan led his team to a league-high of 47 points during the regular season and orchestrated a record-setting 11-game win streak. His leadership and strategy played a pivotal role in helping the team achieve such remarkable feats, including Spooner's own fantastic performance.
Kristen Campbell: Goaltender of the Year
In addition to Spooner's accolades, Kristen Campbell was named Goaltender of the Year after amassing an impressive 16 wins and three shutouts. Campbell serves as the backup goalie for the Canadian national team, underscoring her skill and competence between the posts. Her reliable presence in goal has been a cornerstone for her team’s defense throughout the season.
Defensive Mastery: Erin Ambrose
Montreal’s Erin Ambrose earned the title of Defender of the Year. Over the course of 24 games, Ambrose accumulated 18 points, showcasing her ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Her consistent performance has been instrumental in Montreal's competitive edge this season.
Grace Zumwinkle: Stellar Rookie
Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle was named Rookie of the Year after a breakout season where she recorded 19 points in 24 games. Zumwinkle also had the distinction of notching the league's first hat trick, demonstrating her capacity to excel at the highest level. Having already been a part of the U.S. national team, Zumwinkle's future in professional hockey looks incredibly promising.
Community Impact: Maureen Murphy
A hallmark of professional leagues is their players’ impact off the ice as well. Montreal’s Maureen Murphy was awarded the Hockey For All Award for her exceptional volunteer work. This accolade highlights the importance of community involvement and the positive difference players can make beyond their athletic contributions.
Selection Committee
The winners of these prestigious awards were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, which voted between the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs. This committee's deliberations ensured that the most deserving players and contributors were recognized for their outstanding performances and impact throughout the season.
The inaugural season of the PWHL has set a high standard, offering exciting prospects for the future of professional women's hockey. With trailblazers like Natalie Spooner, dedicated coaches like Troy Ryan, and dynamic players like Kristen Campbell, Erin Ambrose, Grace Zumwinkle, and Maureen Murphy, the league is well on its way to establishing itself as a significant force in the sport.