Awards and Recognitions
In a season filled with remarkable achievements and overcoming personal challenges, Toronto's Natalie Spooner has deservedly been named the PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year. Spooner led the league in scoring with 20 goals and seven assists, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination on the ice.
Spooner surpassed the impressive performances of New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin, both considered elite players in the league. Adding to the remarkable nature of her achievement, 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 hurdles, she returned to the sport in top form and delivered an outstanding performance.
Further highlighting her resilience and dedication, Spooner suffered a knee injury during the playoff semifinals but continued to contribute to her team's success. Her story is a testament to her tenacity and passion for the game.
Coach of the Year
Toronto’s Coach of the Year award goes to Troy Ryan, who masterminded his team's performance throughout the season. Under Ryan's leadership, Toronto achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season and cemented their dominance with an impressive 11-game win streak. Ryan’s strategic acumen and ability to inspire his players played a crucial role in Toronto's success.
Goaltender of the Year
Kristen Campbell was honored as the Goaltender of the Year, a well-deserved recognition for her stellar performance between the pipes. Campbell achieved 16 wins and three shutouts, proving herself as a reliable and formidable presence in goal.
Defender of the Year
Montreal’s Erin Ambrose was named Defender of the Year, an accolade that recognizes her consistent and outstanding defensive play. Ambrose accumulated 18 points over 24 games, a significant contribution that underscores her offensive prowess in addition to her defensive responsibilities.
Rookie of the Year
Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle has been named Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut season. Zumwinkle recorded 19 points in 24 games, showcasing her potential and establishing herself as a rising star in the league.
Exceptional Volunteer Work
The Hockey For All Award, given for exceptional volunteer work, was awarded to Maureen Murphy. Murphy's dedication to giving back and her involvement in community service projects have set her apart, earning her this special recognition.
Selection Committee and Player Insights
These outstanding individuals were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, a group tasked with evaluating the performances and contributions of players and coaches throughout the season.
When asked about her season, Natalie Spooner shared her heartfelt thoughts: "I probably wouldn't have thought that it would have gone this way," she 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."
Spooner's humble reflections underline the dedication and love for the game that enabled her to overcome the obstacles she faced and excel in her role.
The season's awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective spirit and talent that define the PWHL. Each award recipient has contributed significantly to their teams and the sport, setting a high standard and inspiring future generations of players.