Toronto Sceptres' Sarah Nurse drops two-word reaction as Natalie Spooner receives IIHF Female Player of the Year 2024 award

Natalie Spooner won the IIHF Female Player of the Year 2024 award during a ceremony at the Toronto Sceptres' home game against the Ottawa Charge. Her teammate, Sarah Nurse, shared a photo of Spooner holding the trophy with the caption,

"Yay Spoons!! 🏆."

In the picture, Spooner can be seen smiling, dressed in a metallic gold skirt, black top, and a black fur-like jacket.

via Instagram @nursey16

Natalie Spooner was chosen for the award after a strong year. She received 33.6% of the votes, beating other nominees like Alex Carpenter and Marie-Philip Poulin. The award honors a player’s achievements in international competitions and top domestic leagues. Spooner thanked her teammates for an incredible year filled with amazing moments.

“It's a great honour to be nominated alongside so many amazing athletes, and to receive this is truly special,” Spooner said via IIHF, after the presentation. “I think back to the last year, and it’s been a whirlwind."

"There have been so many amazing moments, from the new league starting up, the Sceptres going on our winning streak. And, obviously, I wouldn’t be getting this award without my teammates who push me every day and help me, and then Team Canada bringing gold back to Canada at the Women’s Worlds. All of those things together have been amazing."

Spooner thanked everyone who helped her win the award and those who have been part of her year.

Natalie Spooner talked about her role as a player for Team Canada and PWHL

Natalie Spooner played a key role in helping Canada win gold at the 2024 Women’s Worlds. She had four points in the tournament, including one goal. In the PWHL, Spooner scored 20 goals and earned 27 points. She also led the league with five game-winning goals. She was named the Billie Jean King MVP and Forward of the Year in the league’s first season.

Spooner said her role has always been to create scoring chances and be a strong presence near the net.

“I think my role on both teams is the same—a power forward who can take pucks to the net—be a really good net presence on the power play or five-on-five—so I think it’s really just creating those opportunities to bury pucks.

Natalie Spooner added that playing in a consistent league helped her improve. She also thanked her teammates for their support. Spooner’s award shows her hard work and the growth of women’s hockey.