The Big Ten recently announced its postseason awards for hockey, with Michigan and Michigan State earning significant recognition.
Michigan forward Gavin Brindley received the prestigious title of Conference Player of the Year. Brindley, a sophomore from Estero, Florida, delivered an outstanding performance with 51 points in 36 games, including 29 points in 23 Big Ten matchups. He also played a pivotal role in Team USA’s gold medal win at the World Juniors, contributing six goals and 10 points in seven games. His exceptional performance secured his position as a first-team All-Big Ten member alongside forward Rutger McGroarty and defenseman Seamus Casey. McGroarty, ranked fourth in the nation, averaged 1.59 points per game and captained the U.S. World Juniors team this season. Casey, the leading scorer among all college hockey defensemen with 44 points, showcased his exceptional talent while representing Team USA.
Meanwhile, Michigan State’s Artyom Levshunov excelled, earning the titles of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. The defenseman from Belarus is expected to be a top draft pick in the upcoming NHL draft due to his impressive performance this season. Levshunov, along with MSU goalie Trey Augustine, secured a position on the All-Big Ten first team and All-Freshman Team.
In the coaching arena, Michigan State’s Adam Nightingale was honoured with the title of Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading his team to the regular season title. In just his second season as head coach, Nightingale propelled the Spartans to the top 10 rankings for a considerable portion of the season. His coaching excellence is evident in the team’s overall performance, with 41 wins over his first two seasons.
The Wolverines and the Spartans are poised to compete for the Big Ten tournament title, with both teams expected to qualify for the 16-team NCAA tournament field. MSU holds a three-win advantage over U-M in four matchups this season, setting the stage for an exciting showdown at Munn Ice Arena.
Beyond the top honourees, other standout players such as Michigan’s Dylan Duke, U-M’s T.J. Hughes and Frank Nazar III, and MSU’s Karsen Dorwart, Isaac Howard, and Joey Larson received honorable mentions, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the sport.
These awards are a testament to the outstanding talent and dedication shown by the players and coaches of both Michigan and Michigan State, establishing them as deserving representatives of the Big Ten in the world of collegiate hockey.