Awards and Recognitions
Toronto’s standout player, Natalie Spooner, has been named the Premier Hockey Federation League (PWHL) MVP and Forward of the Year, an honor reflective of her stellar performance throughout the season.
Season Highlights and Achievements
Spooner led the charge in the league, scoring an impressive 20 goals and contributing seven assists. Her remarkable performance set her apart from other top contenders such as New York's Alex Carpenter and Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin. Spooner's dedication and skill on the ice were particularly noteworthy considering she returned to play after giving birth to her son at the end of 2022.
In a testament to her resilience and commitment, Spooner did not skate for six months leading up to the season. Despite this significant hiatus, she managed to surpass expectations and deliver an outstanding performance. Her journey back to top form was not entirely smooth, as she also suffered a knee injury during the playoff semifinals. Nevertheless, her return was triumphant, earning her the top accolades in the league.
Reflecting on her MVP season, Spooner expressed her surprise and gratitude: "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."
Coaching Excellence
The accolades for Toronto did not stop with Spooner. Troy Ryan, the team's head coach, was named Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, Toronto achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season and an 11-game win streak, solidifying their dominance in the league.
Goaltending Prowess
Kristen Campbell of Toronto was recognized as the Goaltender of the Year. Campbell’s exceptional performance between the posts included 16 wins and three shutouts, making her a cornerstone of Toronto's successful campaign.
Defensive and Rookie Honors
Montreal's Erin Ambrose was awarded Defender of the Year, thanks to her strong contributions on both ends of the ice, amassing 18 points over 24 games. On the other side of the age spectrum, Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle was named Rookie of the Year. She made an immediate impact in the league, recording 19 points in 24 games.
Community Contributions
Beyond on-ice achievements, Maureen Murphy was honored with the Hockey For All Award in recognition of her exceptional volunteer work. Her contributions off the ice were deemed invaluable, setting a commendable example for community involvement and support.
Selection Process
The winners of these distinguished awards were meticulously chosen by an 18-member selection committee, ensuring a comprehensive and fair evaluation of each candidate's performance and impact on the league.
The 2023 PWHL season will be remembered not just for the exceptional talent and competitiveness it showcased, but also for the inspiring stories of resilience, leadership, and community contribution. Natalie Spooner’s MVP season is a testament to what can be achieved through determination and passion for the sport.