ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference and the Big Ten Network announced the 2024-25 Big Ten Hockey postseason awards on March 18, 2025, unveiling the standout players of the year during live coverage on BTN’s B1G Today. The highly anticipated awards recognized individual achievements, including Player of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, and the All-Big Ten teams, as well as the All-Freshman Team and Sportsmanship awards, with voting results coming from conference head coaches and a media panel.
Junior forward Isaac Howard from Michigan State earned the title of Big Ten Player of the Year after clinching the scoring title with an impressive 33 points in 24 conference matchups. The rising star from Hudson, Wisconsin, is the third player from Michigan State to receive this accolade, showcasing the strong hockey heritage of the program.
In the defense lineup, Minnesota sophomore Sam Rinzel was honored as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, demonstrating his prowess on the ice with 10 goals and 21 assists for a total of 31 points over 39 games, leading all defensemen in scoring in the Big Ten.
Freshman standout Michael Hage from Michigan captured the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award after an impressive first collegiate season, finishing with 24 points (8 goals, 16 assists) in 22 league games, marking him as a pivotal contributor to the Wolverines' success.
Meanwhile, Michigan State’s sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine was named Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, achieving the top spot with a conference-best 12 wins while racking up 553 saves, solidifying his status as a key player in the Spartans’ lineup.
Ohio State's coach Steve Rohlik received the Big Ten Coach of the Year award after leading a team that started the season ranked seventh in the preseason poll to a remarkable third-place finish and a spot in the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game. Notably, this marks the third time Rohlik has been honored with this title, tying him with Minnesota’s Bob Motzko for the most Coach of the Year selections among conference coaches.
The Big Ten also recognized seven individuals with Sportsmanship awards, applauding their dedication to ethical behavior, sportsmanship, academics, and citizenship. It’s a reminder that while competition is fierce, the virtues of integrity and sportsmanship still reign supreme.
The full list of 2024-25 Big Ten Hockey postseason awards showcases the top talents in the league:
- Player of the Year: Isaac Howard, Jr., F, Michigan State
- Defensive Player of the Year: Sam Rinzel, So., D, Minnesota
- Goaltender of the Year: Trey Augustine, So., G, Michigan State
- Freshman of the Year: Michael Hage, Fr., F, Michigan
- Coach of the Year: Steve Rohlik, Ohio State
- Scoring Champion: Isaac Howard, Jr., F, Michigan State (33 points)
The All-Big Ten First Team featured prominent players such as:
- F: Isaac Howard, Jr., Michigan State
- F: Jimmy Snuggerud, Jr., Minnesota
- F: Aiden Fink, So., Penn State
- D: Matt Basgall, Jr., Michigan State
- D: Sam Rinzel, So., Minnesota
- G: Trey Augustine, So., Michigan State
The All-Big Ten Second Team was equally impressive, showcasing talent from various schools.
- F: T.J. Hughes, Jr., Michigan
- F: Quinn Finley, So., Wisconsin
- F: Cole Knuble, So., Notre Dame
- D: Ethan Edwards, Sr., Michigan
- D: Simon Mack, Sr., Penn State
- G: Arsenii Sergeev, Jr., Penn State
Additionally, Michigan had a remarkable representation with Hage on the All-Freshman Team, which also included promising talents like Charlie Cerrato from Penn State and Gavin Morrissey from Wisconsin.
As fans look forward to the upcoming Big Ten Tournament Championship game, Michigan State is in a prime position to further solidify its legacy, hosting No. 9 Ohio State on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM. The Spartans aim to achieve a historic double by clinching both the regular-season and tournament titles in consecutive seasons. With players like Howard and Augustine in their ranks, they certainly have formidable support to push them over the finish line.
As is evident from this year's proceedings, the competition in the Big Ten is heating up with all these young talents breaking through and making their mark. The hype surrounding these players doesn't just set the stage for an exhilarating championship game but also promises a bright future for college hockey.
