Natalie Spooner’s off-season is looking much different than anticipated.
Instead of resting, training and enjoying the sun, the PWHL Toronto star is recovering from knee surgery, which she had last week.
On Instagram, the forward shared a photo of her smiling in a knee brace alongside a caption thanking her medical team for their efforts.
“I want to thank my entire medical and surgical team for their hard work and care. Surgery went great last week and I’m now on the road to recovery, and I’m determined to be back even stronger than before!” she wrote.
“Thank you everyone for your messages and well wishes. I can’t wait to hit the ice with the ladies again and represent the great city of Toronto next season!”
In Game 3 of Toronto’s best-of-five semifinal against Minnesota in May, the 33-year-old collided with Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle and fell into the boards. Two days later, she was placed on the long-term injured reserve with a knee injury.
Toronto activated forward Jess Jones, who played five games during the regular season, to take Spooner’s place.
Spooner led the league with 27 points (20 goals and seven assists) in 24 games. Her seven power-play goals were more than double the next-highest total. The Scarborough, Ont., native also had the most shots on goal with 101.
In May, Spooner was named a finalist for both the PWHL’s 2024 Forward of the Year and the inaugural Billie Jean King MVP award. The winners will be announced later in June.
