It has been a great season for the Michigan State University men's Hockey team this year. One of the best we have seen in many years, and the excitement has called the infamous Munn Ice Arena to be sold out for many of their home games this year.
A certain player was just announced as USA Hockey's Jim Johannson College Player of the Year, which puts him as the fourth Spartan to receive this award in the program's history.
These awards first began back in 1994 and were renamed in 2019 to honor the former USA Hockey executive and national champion Jim Johannson. It helps recognize the top American-born player in the NCAA Division in men's college hockey.
His name is Isaac Howard, and he is the lucky Spartan who got honored with this award. He joins Jeff Lerg, Ryan Miller, and Mike York, all previous MSU recipients of this award, and will be recognized in Denver at the USA Hockey President's Award Dinner on June 6th.
Howard had an amazing season, scoring 26 goals and 52 points in just 37 games during his 2024-2025 season, which was one of his career bests. He led the nation with a 1.31 points per game, and ranked third with 0.70 per game, as well as 0.70 assists per game.
Additionally, Howard is also fresh off winning some gold from the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championships in Stockholm. Howard contributed with assists in both pool play and exhibition against Germany. He helped secure Team USA's first World Championship Gold since 1933.
On top of it, Howard earned First Team AHCA All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year, as well as Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player. He also got First Team All-B1G honors.
