PWHL announce 2024 League Award Winners

PWHL Toronto’s Natalie Spooner caps inaugural season with Billie Jean King MVP Award

SAINT PAUL, MN – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) celebrated greatness today at the 2024 PWHL Awards ceremony, presented by Woody Creek Distillers. PWHL Toronto forward Natalie Spooner earned two individual honors, most notably voted the Billie Jean King MVP Award recipient and Forward of the Year and was formally recognized for her achievements as the league’s Points Leader and Top Goal Scorer. The event was held in downtown Saint Paul, MN, inside the Great River Ballroom at the InterContinental Hotel.  

2024 PWHL AWARDS WINNERS AND ALL-STAR TEAMS 

Billie Jean King MVP Award and Forward of the Year: Natalie Spooner (PWHL Toronto) 

Spooner, a 33-year-old from Scarborough, ON, led the league with 20 goals and 27 points in 24 games for a league-high points-per-game average of 1.13. Finalists for both awards were Alex Carpenter (PWHL New York) and Marie-Philip Poulin (PWHL Montréal). 

Defender of the Year Award: Erin Ambrose (PWHL Montréal) 

Ambrose, a 30-year-old from Keswick, ON, recorded 18 points in 24 games including 14 assists which tied for the league-lead at her position. Finalists for the award were Megan Keller (PWHL Boston) and Ella Shelton (PWHL New York). 

Goaltender of the Year Award: Kristen Campbell (PWHL Toronto) 

Campbell, a 26-year-old from Brandon, MB, led the league with 16 wins, including three shutouts, while posting a goals-against-average of 1.99 and save percentage of .927. Finalists for the award were Aerin Frankel (PWHL Boston) and Corinne Schroeder (PWHL New York). 

Rookie of the Year Award: Grace Zumwinkle (PWHL Minnesota) 

Zumwinkle, a 25-year-old from Excelsior, MN, led her team in scoring with 11 goals and 19 points in 24 games which tied for the lead among first-year professionals. Finalists for the award were Emma Maltais (PWHL Toronto) and Alina Müller (PWHL Boston). 

Coach of the Year Award: Troy Ryan (PWHL Toronto)  

Ryan, a native of Spryfield, NS, coached his team to first place in the regular-season standings with a 13-4-0-7 record, powered by an 11-game winning streak and a plus-19 goal differential. Finalists for the award were Kori Cheverie (PWHL Montréal) and Courtney Kessel (PWHL Boston). 

Hockey For All Award presented by Scotiabank: Maureen Murphy (PWHL Montréal) 

Murphy, a 24-year-old from Buffalo, NY, volunteered more than 200 hours at several Montréal organizations, where she and her dog Bean helped elderly people cope with, and recover from, various physical and mental health conditions through pet therapy. She also volunteers for Miriam Home in Montréal, the Canadian Red Cross, and the North American Elite Girls Hockey program. The award recognizes the player who had the greatest impact in their community during the season.  

FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM: 

Forwards: Alex Carpenter (NY), Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL), Natalie Spooner (TOR) 
Defenders: Ella Shelton (NY) and Erin Ambrose (MTL) 
Goaltender: Kristen Campbell (TOR) 

SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM: 

Forwards: Brianne Jenner (OTT), Sarah Nurse (TOR), Grace Zumwinkle (MIN) 
Defenders: Renata Fast (TOR) and Megan Keller (BOS) 
Goaltender: Aerin Frankel (BOS) 

ALL-ROOKIE TEAM: 

Forwards: Emma Maltais (TOR), Alina Müller (BOS), Grace Zumwinkle (MIN) 
Defenders: Ashton Bell (OTT) and Sophie Jaques (MIN) 
Goaltender: Emma Söderberg (BOS) 

An 18-member selection committee cast their votes for six regular-season PWHL awards, all-star teams, and all-rookie team, during the gap between the regular season’s end and the playoffs’ beginning. The Hockey For All Award was voted on by staff across the PWHL and the PWHLPA based on nominations submitted by member teams.