Michigan State University Athletics
York Named USA Hockey College Player of the Year
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
June 9, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State's Mike York (Waterford, Mich.) has been named the 1999 USA Hockey College Player of the Year and will be honored at USA Hockey's President's Awards Banquet this weekend in Colorado Springs, Colo. The award has been presented annually since 1994 to the top American-born player in college hockey.
"It's a tremendous honor and came as a complete surprise," said York, who completed his senior season with the Spartans in 1998-99. "USA Hockey has been a big part of my playing career, and I appreciate their support of this award."
"This is a fitting way to cap off Mike's Michigan State career," head coach Ron Mason said. "It's quite an honor, and one which was well-deserved.
"He was our leader all season and his commitment to the team was crucial to our success. He put winning ahead of any of his personal goals, so it is nice that he can be recognized as an individual."
York was a first-team All-American and the CCHA Player of the Year after leading the Spartans to the CCHA regular-season title and an NCAA Frozen Four berth in 1998-99. MSU's leading scorer and team captain, York had 22 goals and 32 assists (54 points) and led the CCHA with a +33 plus/minus rating. He was the runner-up for the Hobey Baker Award, the CCHA's Best Defensive Forward, a first-team All-CCHA selection and Michigan State's team MVP.
York finished his Michigan State career with 79 goals and 122 assists (201 points). He is one of just 12 Americans to play for the U.S. National Junior Team three times, and led the World Junior Championship in scoring in 1996, when the U.S. earned its best finish ever (silver). York signed a professional contract with the New York Rangers after the Michigan State season and completed the year with the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
York is the first Michigan State player to earn the USA Hockey College Player of the Year award.
