Awards and Recognitions
Natalie Spooner Named PWHL MVP and Forward of the Year
Toronto's star forward, Natalie Spooner, has been named the Premier Hockey Federation's (PWHL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Forward of the Year. This accolade comes as no surprise to those who have followed her exceptional season. Spooner led the league in scoring with 20 goals and seven assists, outperforming prominent players such as New York’s Alex Carpenter and Montreal’s Marie-Philip Poulin.
What sets Spooner's accomplishments apart is the context within which they were achieved. Spooner gave birth to her son at the end of 2022 and did not skate for six months leading up to the season. Despite this significant break, she returned to the ice with remarkable resilience and determination. However, her journey was not without obstacles—she suffered a knee injury during the playoff semifinals, which makes her achievements even more commendable.
Toronto’s Coach of the Year: Troy Ryan
Another notable recognition from Toronto is the Coach of the Year award, which was bestowed upon Troy Ryan. Under Ryan’s guidance, Toronto achieved a league-high of 47 points during the regular season and embarked on an impressive 11-game win streak. Ryan’s strategic acumen and leadership have been pivotal in Toronto's successful season.
Kristen Campbell: Goaltender of the Year
The Goaltender of the Year accolade went to Kristen Campbell, who has been a cornerstone of her team’s defensive strategies. Campbell achieved 16 wins and three shutouts, showing consistent and outstanding performance between the pipes. Her ability to keep her team in the game has been one of the key factors contributing to her team's success this season.
Montreal’s Erin Ambrose: Defender of the Year
Montreal’s Erin Ambrose has been named Defender of the Year, thanks to her exceptional play at the blue line. Ambrose accumulated 18 points over 24 games, showcasing both her defensive capabilities and offensive contributions. Her strong, two-way play has made her an invaluable asset to her team.
Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle: Rookie of the Year
Emerging talent Grace Zumwinkle from Minnesota was honored with the Rookie of the Year award. Zumwinkle recorded an impressive 19 points in 24 games during her debut season. Her standout performance has marked her as one of the league’s promising young talents and a player to watch in the coming seasons.
Maureen Murphy: Hockey For All Award
Maureen Murphy earned the Hockey For All Award, an accolade recognizing exceptional volunteer work. Murphy’s commitment to the community and her efforts to promote inclusivity and participation in the sport have set her apart. Her dedication off the ice is an inspiration to both her peers and the broader hockey community.
Selection Committee
The winners of these prestigious awards were chosen by an 18-member selection committee. The committee’s deliberations reflect a thorough and considerate evaluation of each player's and coach's contributions over the season.
Quotes
Reflecting on her remarkable year, Natalie Spooner shared her feelings about 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." She added, "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."
These heartfelt words encapsulate the spirit of resilience and gratitude that carried Spooner through one of the most challenging yet rewarding periods of her career.
In all, the 2022-2023 PWHL season was a showcase of extraordinary talent and inspiring stories, with players and coaches alike pushing the boundaries of excellence. From Natalie Spooner’s inspiring comeback to Troy Ryan’s strategic mastery, Kristen Campbell’s steadfast goaltending, Erin Ambrose’s defensive prowess, Grace Zumwinkle’s impressive rookie season, and Maureen Murphy’s heartfelt community contributions—each award signifies a remarkable journey of dedication, skill, and passion for the sport of hockey.