Taro Hirose: Humble Playmaker and Hobey Baker Candidate

BY ALEXIS DOWNIE
MSU Journalism 418

EAST LANSING, Mich. – It's no secret Michigan State junior Taro Hirose has been one of the best players in college hockey this season. He currently sits atop the leaderboard in both the NCAA's points and assists columns. The finance major's vision for the game, and ability to earn points for Michigan State has secured his spot in Spartan program history.

In early January, while the Spartans were on the road in University Park facing Penn State, Hirose earned his 100th career point. He stands as the first player to do so since 2009, and the 69th in program history.

"I wasn't really too aware of it until my dad brought it up to me a couple times," said Hirose. "The moment that I scored, I was ecstatic, and to have all of the guys really excited for me too was awesome. It's pretty cool to be a part of Spartan history like that."

Hirose's success this season has awarded him a nomination for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. This award is given each year to a U.S. college hockey player who exemplifies character, both on and off the ice, team integrity, outstanding talent, scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.

"It's a huge honor to be nominated," said Hirose. "All of my friends back home are talking and posting on Facebook about it. It's really cool to be able to play for them, and have something they can be proud of me for."

The last Michigan State player to win the award was goalie Ryan Miller in 2001. Prior to that, only one other Spartan had won the award, Miller's cousin, Kip Miller (1990).

In more recent years, current NHL stars such as Jack Eichel (2015) and Johnny Gaudreau (2014) were popular winners.

Hirose, a native of Calgary, Alberta native has always been inspired by Flames star Johnny Gaudreau - who won the Hobey Baker in 2014 while playing at Boston College. Hirose likes to model his brand of play after the Flames winger.

The 5-foot-10, 165-pound left winger concentrated on upgrading his speed and strength during the last off-season, elements that have been key to his success this year. Hirose can hold the puck longer to make plays, which has improved his offense.

MSU Coach Danton Cole notices the changes in Hirose. He believes Hirose has become mentally dominant, while working toward becoming physically dominant. Cole used the separation Hirose creates on the ice as a power component example that has been very noticeable.

"He's also starting to say more things on the bench," said Cole. "I think he's always known he can make an impact by making big plays on the ice, but I don't think young men realize sometimes that when they're that good and influential, that it really impacts people."

Hirose's impact can be felt with the team, even with his quiet-natured leadership. This leadership has assisted the upward trend of the program, serving as a figure to get MSU back on the map as a power hockey program.

Not only has Hirose had success as an individual, but his line is clicking too. Patrick Khodorenko, Mitchell Lewandowski and Hirose - known as the KHL line – account for nearly half of the entire team's point production this season.

"He always, somehow, finds you on the ice, especially on the power play. He's got great vision to be able to make plays, always making time and space for us out there," said Khodorenko.

The linemates have a special chemistry, having played together for almost two seasons now. Hirose knows this chemistry has developed because the group can joke during practice, but talk serious about making certain plays too.

Fan voting is currently taking place for the Hobey Baker at HobeyBaker.com/vote, and will close in the beginning of March. From that, the top 10 candidates will be announced, then narrowed down to the top three.

The winner will be announced at the NCAA Frozen Four, held in Buffalo, from April 11-13.

Michigan State University Athletics

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Taro Hirose

Patrick Khodorenko

Mitchell Lewandowski

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