Erin Ambrose’s performance during the first season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League did not go unnoticed in Montreal or in circuit circles. To the point where she earned two awards during the very first individual trophy presentation ceremony in LPHF history held Tuesday afternoon.
Ambrose was chosen defender of the year ahead of Megan Keller (Boston) and Ella Shelton (New York) following a season in which she collected 18 points in 24 games, including four goals, and scored seven points on the power play and posted a plus-5 defensive rating.
These statistics also helped the player from the Montreal team earn a place on the LPHF first all-star team, along with her teammate Marie-Philip Poulin.
“The individual awards are a bit bittersweet. The most important thing I would have liked to have is the Walter Cup,” Ambrose admitted during a video conference.
“But overall, I’m honored, especially being associated with Ella Shelton and Megan Keller. Both had phenomenal years. It was a special year, and I’m grateful to have been named Defender of the Year. »
During her discussion with media representatives, Ambrose reflected on the moment that most marked her during this inaugural season. And she had no difficulty identifying him.
“Without a doubt the Bell Center game. This moment was monumental in women’s sports. This is something I will cherish for the rest of my life, not just the rest of my career. 21,000 people came to support us. It is difficult to put into words what we managed to achieve that day. »
Furthermore, it was clear that Ambrose is looking forward to the next season, which could allow him to play on a regular basis with Cayla Barnes, the defender that general manager Danièle Sauvageau claimed in the first round of the draft held Monday evening.
Above all, all his attention and energy will go into his preparation in order to help Montreal capture the playoff championship, after a heartbreaking elimination in three consecutive games against Boston, all in overtime, in the semi-final.
“I think it will be quite easy to motivate myself next summer. There are many things I want to accomplish as an individual athlete to ensure I can have the best impact possible to bring a Walter Cup to Montreal. And it starts with summer training, it starts with what I need to do before the season. I like the foundation we have in Montreal and the leadership we have in Montreal. »
Another player from the Montreal team was honored, forward Maureen Murphy, who won the “Hockey For All Award” which rewards community involvement.
Interested in health and well-being, Murphy became involved in various community organizations in Montreal while pursuing her law studies.
Two trophies for Spooner
Furthermore, with the exception of her selection to the first all-star team, Poulin left empty-handed despite the fact that she was in the running for two individual honors, namely the one given to the forward of the year as well as the Billie-Jean-King trophy, awarded to the player most useful to her training.
In both cases, the 18-person selection committee opted for Natalie Spooner from the Toronto team.
Spooner led the league in goals (20), nine more than the next two, and points (27). She recorded an average of 1.13 points per game, the best on the circuit.
“It’s still a little surreal. It’s such an honor. I think of our Toronto team and the success we have had this season. There have been so many elements that have allowed me to have the same success. I had the opportunity to play with some amazing players and our team made it fun to come to the rink every day. I can’t imagine a better first year in the LPHF,” Spooner said.
Her performance earned her a first-team All-Star nomination, along with goalie Kristen Campbell (Toronto), Shelton and forward Alex Carpenter (New York).
As part of a big day for the Toronto team, Campbell was also voted goalie of the year and Troy Ryan was named head coach of the year, a category where Kori Cheverie represented Montreal.
Finally, Grace Zumwinkle, from Minnesota, was named rookie of the year.
Zumwinkle notably had the distinct honor of scoring the first hat trick in the history of the league, a feat she achieved against Montreal on January 6 in a 3-0 win.