Isaac Howard Leads Michigan State to Glory, Wins Hobey Baker
In the heart of St. Louis, with Frozen Four weekend in full swing, the spotlight turned to a player who had been commanding attention all season long. Michigan State’s Isaac Howard, a dynamic junior forward with a nose for the net and a flair for big moments, was officially named the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner — the highest honor in college hockey.
The announcement was met with cheers, applause, and a few tears of joy. After all, this wasn’t just a personal achievement. It was a moment that symbolized a return to national prominence for Michigan State hockey — and a celebration of the relentless drive that brought a small-town kid from Hudson, Wisconsin to the very top of the college hockey world.
And when Isaac Howard walked up to accept the award, you could tell he felt the weight of it.
“I’m just so proud to wear this jersey,” Howard said, pausing for a moment, clearly emotional. “This award isn’t just for me. It’s for my teammates, my coaches, my family — everyone who believed in me before the points started piling up.”
A Season for the Ages in East Lansing
If you watched even a handful of Michigan State games this season, you knew this was coming.
Howard was electric every time he touched the ice. Whether it was lighting the lamp with a wicked wrist shot or threading a pass through a sea of defenders for an assist, he played like the game slowed down just for him. He made the impossible look easy — and he did it night after night.
Over the course of 37 games, Howard racked up 52 points — an even split of 26 goals and 26 assists. But even more impressive was his consistency. He led the entire country in points per game, averaging 1.41. No one in college hockey was producing more efficiently.
But Howard didn’t just pile up stats. He delivered when it mattered most. Game on the line? Tie score late in the third? Overtime in the Big Ten Tournament? Howard wasn’t just present — he was the difference.
He helped lead Michigan State to the Big Ten regular-season championship and the conference tournament title, reigniting a program that hadn’t touched that kind of glory in years.
“Isaac changed the temperature of our whole team,” said head coach Adam Nightingale. “When your best player is also your hardest worker, the rest of the group follows. That’s how you build something special.”
Making Spartan History
With this win, Howard becomes just the third Michigan State player to ever take home the Hobey Baker Award, following legendary goalies Ryan Miller (2001) and Kip Miller (1990). But Isaac’s honor hits differently — because he’s the school’s first forward to ever do it.
And it’s been more than two decades since a Spartan stood on that stage.
Ryan Miller’s name is still whispered with reverence around East Lansing. Now, Isaac Howard has earned his place right alongside him — and maybe even carved out a legacy that’s uniquely his own.
“Ryan’s a legend,” Howard said. “To be mentioned in the same breath as him — that’s something I never thought I’d see. I just wanted to help the team win. This is just… wow.”
The Finalists: A Stacked Class
This year’s Hobey Baker race was no cakewalk. Howard edged out two other top-tier talents: Denver’s rock-solid defenseman Zeev Buium and Boston College’s flashy forward Ryan Leonard, who recently jumped to the NHL and signed with the Washington Capitals.
Both had incredible seasons. Buium, in particular, was the anchor of Denver’s blue line, playing massive minutes and generating offense from the back end. Leonard? Well, he’s already living the NHL dream. That should tell you something about the level of competition.
But Howard’s blend of skill, leadership, and results ultimately set him apart. He wasn’t just great — he made everyone around him better.
“He’s that guy you hate to play against and would kill to have on your team,” said one Big Ten rival coach. “It’s not just the goals — it’s the way he takes over games.”
Source: Michigan State forward Isaac Howard wins Hobey Baker award
More Honors at the Frozen Four
Howard wasn’t the only player honored in St. Louis.
Boston College’s Jacob Fowler took home the Mike Richter Award, given to the best goaltender in the country. The sophomore was a wall all season long, posting a ridiculous 1.63 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage — numbers that turned heads from coast to coast.
Fowler’s clutch play helped carry BC deep into the tournament, and with 25 wins on the season, he proved that last year’s breakout was no fluke.
Meanwhile, Boston University freshman defenseman Cole Hutson picked up the Tim Taylor Award for NCAA rookie of the year. Hutson finished with 46 points — more than any other freshman in the nation — and quickly established himself as a cornerstone player for BU’s future.
Frozen Four Championship Set: BU vs. Western Michigan
While Howard and his Spartans fell short of reaching the Frozen Four title game, the weekend still had plenty of drama.
Western Michigan, sporting an eye-popping 33-7-1 record, is set to face off against Boston University (24-13-2) in Saturday night’s national championship game. Western’s physical style and deep lineup have steamrolled their way through the bracket, while BU’s young core has shown resilience and spark at every turn.
It promises to be a heavyweight clash — and a perfect finale to a season packed with storylines.
What’s Next for Isaac Howard
Now that the Hobey Baker is his, the big question is what comes next.
Howard was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 2022 with the final pick of the first round. And after a season like this, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sign and make the leap to professional hockey.
He hasn’t made any announcements yet, but the door is wide open.
“I’ve dreamed about the NHL since I was a kid,” Howard said after the ceremony. “Right now, I’m just going to soak this in, enjoy it with my teammates, and then we’ll figure out what’s next.”
Whenever that next chapter begins, the hockey world will be watching.
Because one thing is clear: Isaac Howard isn’t just a great college player. He’s a name you’re going to be hearing for a long time — whether it’s in East Lansing, Tampa Bay, or someday, under the bright lights of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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