Awards and Recognitions Shine Light on PWHL Stars
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has crowned its MVP and other top achievers for the season, with Toronto’s Natalie Spooner taking home both the MVP and Forward of the Year honors.
Natalie Spooner’s Triumphant Return
Spooner, who led the league in scoring with 20 goals and seven assists, faced fierce competition from the likes of New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin. What makes Spooner's achievement even more remarkable is the journey she undertook to get back on the ice. She gave birth to her son at the end of 2022 and did not skate for six months leading up to the season.
"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 facing a knee injury during the playoff semifinals, Spooner showcased immense resilience and proved to be an indispensable asset to her 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," she added.
Toronto's Stellar Season
Toronto’s Coach of the Year, Troy Ryan, has been pivotal in the team's impeccable performance. Under his leadership, Toronto achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season and maintained an impressive 11-game win streak.
Flying high on this momentum, Toronto also saw Kristen Campbell being named Goaltender of the Year. Campbell’s stats were commendable with 16 wins and three shutouts, showcasing her reliability in the net throughout the season.
Outstanding Performers Across the League
Montreal’s Erin Ambrose earned the title of Defender of the Year by accumulating 18 points over 24 games. Her solid defensive play was a bedrock for Montreal’s strategy and success on the ice.
Another standout was Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle, who was named Rookie of the Year. With 19 points in 24 games, Zumwinkle made a significant impact in her debut season, setting high expectations for her future in the league.
The Hockey For All Award went to Maureen Murphy, recognizing her extraordinary volunteer work. This accolade highlights the importance of community service and the positive role athletes can play off the ice.
Conclusion
The winners were chosen by an 18-member selection committee, ensuring that a broad spectrum of insight and expertise led to the final decisions. These awards not only recognize the exceptional talent and hard work of individual players and coaches but also shine a spotlight on the rich fabric of the PWHL.
In a season filled with remarkable comebacks, unwavering resilience, and outstanding performances, the PWHL’s Awards and Recognitions celebrate the best in women’s hockey. As the league continues to grow, these distinguished individuals set the benchmark for excellence and inspire future generations of athletes.