Natalie Spooner
Early Life and Junior Career
Born on October 17, 1990, in Scarborough, Ontario, Natalie Spooner began her hockey journey with the Durham West Jr. Lightning in the Provincial Women's Hockey League (PWHL). During the 2006–07 season, she led the league with 32 goals and served as an assistant captain. Her leadership continued as she captained Team Ontario Red to a gold medal in the U-18 National Hockey Tournament, showcasing resilience by returning from a significant jaw injury.
Collegiate Achievements at Ohio State
Spooner attended Ohio State University, where she made an immediate impact on the women's ice hockey team. As a freshman, she led the Buckeyes with 21 goals, earning multiple WCHA Rookie of the Week honors. Throughout her collegiate career, she consistently demonstrated her scoring prowess, culminating in setting the program record for career goals at 100. Her senior year saw her leading the team with 31 goals and 19 assists, earning her a spot on the CCM Hockey Women's Division I All-American Second Team.
Professional Career and PWHL Success
Selected 23rd overall by the Toronto franchise in the 2023 PWHL Draft, Spooner quickly became a cornerstone for the team. In the league's inaugural season, she led all players with 20 goals and 27 points, earning her the Billie Jean King MVP Award and Forward of the Year honors. Her exceptional performance solidified her reputation as one of the premier forwards in women's hockey.
International Accolades with Team Canada
Spooner's international career is decorated with multiple medals, including Olympic golds in 2014 and 2022, and World Championship titles in 2012, 2021, and 2024. Notably, she was the first player to represent Canada at the U18, U22, and senior levels. In 2024, her outstanding contributions were recognized with the IIHF Female Player of the Year award.
Personal Endeavors and Media Appearances
Beyond the rink, Spooner has engaged in various media ventures. In 2014, she competed in "The Amazing Race Canada" alongside teammate Meaghan Mikkelson, finishing in second place. She also participated in the fifth season of "Battle of the Blades" in 2019, showcasing her versatility and public appeal. Committed to fostering the next generation of athletes, Spooner runs a High Performance Hockey Academy for girls, emphasizing skill development and empowerment.
Natalie Spooner's career exemplifies dedication, resilience, and excellence, making her a prominent figure in women's ice hockey and an inspiration to many.
Read What's in the video
PWHL Mic’d Up: Toronto’s Natalie Spooner in front of a women's hockey record crowd, presented by CBC Sports. In this video, we see Natalie Spooner talking with her teammate about the upcoming match. Then, she playfully collides with her captain, showing their good chemistry. During the warm-up, she can be heard singing "I believe God is a woman...".
She sings the anthem with passion, and then the game begins. Spooner aggressively attacks the opposing team's goal and tries to connect with her teammates on the ice. The team communicates about their plays, demonstrating strong teamwork, and eventually they score a goal, energizing the crowd and the players alike.
Throughout the video, Spooner's leadership and determination stand out, as she motivates her teammates and keeps the energy high. The intensity of the game is palpable, with quick passes, physical plays, and constant communication on the ice. The video captures not only the competitive spirit but also the camaraderie and fun shared among the players during this memorable match.