Sceptres’ top forward Natalie Spooner to miss PWHL season opener

The Toronto Sceptres are gearing up for the upcoming Professional Women’s Hockey League season, but they will have to do so without their star player, Natalie Spooner. Spooner, who was the reigning league MVP and scoring champion, will miss the start of the regular season due to a knee injury that required surgery.

General manager Gina Kingsbury made the announcement on the first day of training camp, revealing that Spooner is targeting a return for the season opener on November 30 against the Boston Fleet. However, there is no set timeline for her return, and the team is focused on ensuring she is fully recovered and not at risk of further injury.

Spooner’s absence will leave a big hole in the Sceptres’ lineup, as she led the PWHL with 27 points in 24 games last season. Her 20 goals, including five game-winners, were crucial to the team’s success. Head coach Troy Ryan acknowledged the challenge of replacing Spooner’s offensive production but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to step up collectively.

Despite the setback, there is excitement surrounding the Sceptres’ new additions for the upcoming season. The team has added depth with the likes of forwards Daryl Watts and Emma Woods, as well as top draft picks Julia Gosling, Izzy Daniel, and Megan Carter. The core of the team remains intact, and the addition of University of Toronto head coach Vicky Sunohara as a coach consultant adds valuable experience to the coaching staff.

Training camp will feature battles for roster spots, with unsigned draft picks and returning players vying for positions. The team will also have pre-season scrimmages against Minnesota and New York to prepare for the season ahead. Additionally, the PWHL has introduced team names, logos, and jerseys for the upcoming season, with some teams, including Toronto, playing in new primary venues.

The Sceptres will primarily play at Coca-Cola Coliseum, where they will aim to build on last season’s success and move forward with a new group of players and staff. The team’s home opener is scheduled for November 30 against the Boston Fleet, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting season for the Toronto Sceptres and the PWHL as a whole.