A Canadian Hockey Icon Natalie Spooner — A Full Life Story (Born 1990–Now)
Natalie Spooner is one of the most successful and iconic figures in women’s ice hockey today. Born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, she has become a celebrated forward in international and professional hockey, representing her country at multiple Olympic Games, World Championships, and leading the professional women’s league in scoring. Her journey — from backyard rinks as a child to international stardom — reflects a lifetime of passion, determination, and elite athletic achievement.
Early Life: Birth, Family, and Childhood in Scarborough
Natalie Marie Spooner was born on October 17, 1990, in Scarborough — a district in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is the daughter of Peter and Ann-Marie Spooner, who emigrated from England to Canada in the 1970s. Natalie is the youngest of four children and the only girl in the family, with three older brothers who were already involved in hockey — which would prove influential in shaping her own path in the sport.
Growing up, her parents worked hard to support their children’s athletic pursuits. They built a backyard rink where Natalie first learned to skate and shoot a puck as a young child. Her early years were filled with informal play on the family property and at local arenas — experiences that helped her fall in love with hockey from a very young age.
A Sports-Driven Childhood
Natalie’s athletic talents weren’t limited to hockey. She also participated in soccer, swimming, field hockey, gymnastics, and various school activities like band and choir. This well-rounded upbringing helped her develop coordination, teamwork, and competitive spirit — all of which would serve her later in elite hockey.
She attended Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute, where she was recognized as athlete of the year every single year of high school — a sign of her early leadership and athletic excellence. During her youth, she played in the Durham West Lightning Girls Hockey Association, where she honed her skills for over a decade before advancing to higher competitive levels.
Early Career: Youth Hockey to College Success
Transitioning to Competitive Hockey
Natalie Spooner began playing organized hockey at just four years old. At first, she played on boys’ teams before moving into girls’ AAA hockey leagues, where she began to stand out as a prolific goal scorer. Her size, skating ability, and natural skill caught the attention of coaches and scouts early on.
Olympic Development Programs
Her talent was recognized by Hockey Canada’s development programs, and she moved through various national development levels — including the U-18 and U-22 teams — proving herself among the top young players in the country.
Collegiate Career at Ohio State University
After dominating youth hockey in Ontario, Spooner accepted an athletic scholarship to play for the Ohio State University Buckeyes. There, she became one of the most impactful forwards in college hockey. Over the course of her collegiate career, she scored 100 or more goals, ranking among the top scorers in her team’s history. Her goal-scoring instincts and offensive leadership helped her become a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award — given annually to the top women’s college hockey player in the U.S.
Her success at Ohio State prepared her for a professional hockey career and established her as one of the most anticipated young forwards in women’s hockey.
Professional Hockey Career
Early Professional Years
After college, Spooner began her professional career in Canada, including time with teams like the Mississauga Chiefs and the Toronto Furies in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL). She was known for her aggressive attacking style, scoring prowess, and leadership on the ice.
She became an important figure in women’s professional hockey, helping to bring more visibility to the sport. She also served as captain of the Toronto Furies and participated multiple times in CWHL All-Star Games.
Joining the PWHL and Success with Toronto Sceptres
In 2023, with the launch of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) — the first stable, fully professional women’s hockey league in North America — Natalie Spooner continued her rise. She was selected by the Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL’s inaugural draft and signed a two-year contract with the team.
In her first full season with the Sceptres, Spooner led the league in goals and points, establishing herself as one of the most elite forwards in the PWHL. She was named both the Billie Jean King Most Valuable Player and the PWHL Forward of the Year — major honors recognizing her dominance on the ice.
By June 2025, she signed a contract extension with the Sceptres, reflecting her value to the franchise and her commitment to staying in her hometown of Toronto.
International Career: Wearing the Maple Leaf
Olympic Medals and World Championships
Natasha Spooner’s impact isn’t limited to club hockey — she has been a cornerstone for Team Canada on the international stage. She made her senior national team debut around 2011 and has since played in multiple IIHF Women’s World Championships and Olympic Games.
She is a four-time Olympic medalist:
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Gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics
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Silver at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics
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Gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics
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Silver at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics
In addition to the Olympics, she has won multiple medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championships, with a mix of gold, silver, and bronze medals over her long international career.
Her success internationally helped her earn recognition such as the IIHF Female Player of the Year award — showcasing her as one of the top players in the world.
Olympic Legacy and Veteran Leadership
By 2025–2026, Spooner had become a veteran leader with over a decade of international experience. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, she scored an early goal for Canada in the Olympic tournament — an inspiring milestone after her return from injury and surgery.
Personal Life Off the Ice
Family and Motherhood
Natalie Spooner is married to Adam Redmond, and together they have a son born in December 2022. Remarkably, she returned to hockey training only weeks after giving birth, missing only a few months before resuming elite competition.
Her journey as an elite athlete and a mother has inspired many young players, especially women who aspire to balance a family and a professional sports career.
Net Worth in 2025: How Much Is Natalie Spooner Worth?
Estimating net worth for athletes — especially women’s hockey players — can be difficult since salaries in the women’s game are typically more modest compared with major professional men’s leagues. However, based on industry estimates and the earnings expected from league contracts, international competitions, and endorsement deals:
As of 2025, Natalie Spooner’s estimated net worth is around $1 million to $1.5 million USD.
This range reflects her cumulative earnings from playing contracts (in the PWHL and formerly in the CWHL), national team stipends and bonuses, and additional income from speaking, appearances, and sponsorships. While women’s hockey salaries continue to grow, players like Spooner remain among the most financially successful female hockey athletes in the world.
Legacy and Influence: More Than Just a Hockey Player
Role Model and Advocate for Women’s Hockey
Natalie Spooner continues to be much more than just a star on the ice — she’s a role model for young athletes and a leader in growing the game of women’s hockey. Whether through coaching, youth hockey development clinics, public speaking, or inspiring stories of determination and resilience, she has left a lasting impact on her sport.
Her high-performance hockey academy for girls helps young players learn elite skills and leadership principles, extending her influence beyond her own playing career.
A Champion on and off the Ice
From a backyard rink in Scarborough to Olympic medals and professional accolades, Natalie Spooner’s story is one of passion, resilience, and excellence. As of 2025, she remains an elite forward in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, a respected leader for Team Canada, and an inspiration for the next generation of athletes. Her journey reminds us that success on the ice can go hand in hand with personal growth, family life, and leadership off the rink.