Awards and Recognitions
Natalie Spooner: PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year
Toronto’s Natalie Spooner has been named the PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year after an outstanding season. Spooner led the league in scoring with 20 goals and seven assists, outperforming New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin.
The journey to this remarkable achievement was not without its challenges. Spooner gave birth to her son at the end of 2022 and did not skate for six months leading up to the season. Despite these obstacles, she returned to the ice with an unwavering determination and focus.
Her comeback story took another dramatic turn when she suffered a knee injury during the playoff semifinals. Despite the setback, Spooner’s contributions on the ice continued to be instrumental for Toronto.
"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."
Toronto's Coach of the Year: Troy Ryan
Troy Ryan, who led Toronto to a league-high of 47 points during the regular season, has been named Coach of the Year. Ryan’s leadership was crucial in guiding the team through an impressive 11-game win streak, solidifying Toronto's dominance in the league.
Goaltender of the Year: Kristen Campbell
Kristen Campbell earned the Goaltender of the Year honor, thanks to her stellar performance in the net. Campbell recorded 16 wins and three shutouts, showcasing her consistency and reliability as Toronto's last line of defense.
Defender of the Year: Erin Ambrose
Montreal’s Erin Ambrose has been named Defender of the Year after a season where she accumulated 18 points over 24 games. Ambrose's defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively made her an invaluable asset to her team.
Rookie of the Year: Grace Zumwinkle
Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle has been recognized as Rookie of the Year. In her debut season, Zumwinkle amassed 19 points in 24 games, demonstrating her potential to become one of the league's future stars.
Hockey For All Award: Maureen Murphy
Maureen Murphy was honored with the Hockey For All Award for her exceptional volunteer work. Murphy’s dedication to giving back to the community and promoting inclusivity in the sport has not gone unnoticed.
The winners were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, comprising experts and stakeholders from across the league. Their decisions highlighted the outstanding talents and contributions of these remarkable individuals.