Photo by: Matthew Mitchell Photography
Taro Hirose Voted Big Ten Player of the Year; Six Spartans Earn All-B1G Honors
3/19/2019 1:51:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
EAST LANSING – Taro Hirose has been named the Big Ten Player of the Year, it was announced by the league office on Tuesday (March 19) along with the All-Big Teams. Hirose was the only unanimous selection to the All-Big Ten First Team. Junior Patrick Khodorenko was voted to the All-Big Ten Second Team, while sophomore Mitchell Lewandowski and senior Zach Osburn were both named All-Big Ten honorable mention. Goaltender Drew DeRidder and defenseman Dennis Cesana were both voted to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
The six combined All-Big Ten team accolades were the most of any team and the most ever for the Spartans.
"Taro obviously had an outstanding season on so many levels, as perhaps the most consistent point-producer in the country," MSU head coach Danton Cole said. "To be voted as the player of the year in a conference with so many talented players is a tremendous accomplishment and very well deserved.
"As a program, it's exciting to have so many players recognized. Their contributions to our team this season and helping to further move our program forward were extremely significant."
Hirose is the second player in program history to be named Big Ten Player of the Year, joining Jake Hildebrand who garnered the honor in 2015. It is the 10th time in program history a Spartan has been named a conference player of the year.
Hirose was the Big Ten scoring champion as he led the league in conference games with 34 points (10g, 24a). He finished the season as the national leader in both points (50) and assists (35) and was atop the country in both categories for a string of 71 straight days from Jan. 4 – March 15.
The native of Calgary, Alberta, had a league-high 10 multi-point games in conference play, including six-three point efforts – three more than any other player. More importantly, the Spartans went 5-0-1 when Hirose had at least three points.
On the season, Hirose had 15 multi-point games – a total which led the nation for much of the second half of the season.
Hirose put together a career long nine-game point streak from Jan. 11 – Feb. 8, over which he produced 16 points (6g, 10a).
Hirose's 50 points were the most by a Spartan since John-Michael Liles had the same number in 2002-03, while his 35 assists were the most since Brad Fast had the same total in '02-03.
Hirose signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings on March 12 and ended his Spartan career with 116 points (33g, 83a) in 106 games.
Khodorenko set a new career best with 37 points in 2018-19, which was second only to Hirose on the team. His 18 goals ranked 13th in the nation when the Spartans' season came to an end and were third most in the Big Ten.
In conference play, Khodorenko recorded 29 points, which was third most in the league. His 12 goals in conference action was the second-highest total.
The native of Walnut Creek, California, was a key cog on the Spartans' power play as his nine power-play goals were the second most in the nation and second in the Big Ten. He finished the season with 17 power-play points, which was third most in the league.
Khodorenko had nine multi-point games, including the first hat trick by a Spartan since 2015 (Nov. 2 vs. Ferris State) and the first four-assist game by a Spartan since 2011 (Jan. 4 vs. Ohio State).
For the second straight year, Lewandowski has earned Big Ten honorable mention accolades. The sophomore ranked third on the team with 34 points, including 16 goals and 18 assists.
Lewandowski led the Spartans and tied for first in Big Ten play with 13 goals.
Lewandowski's production increased as the season went on as his 11 goals from Jan. 1 through the end of the regular season led the league. He also recorded a career long eight-game point streak, which was the second longest by a Spartan this season, from Jan. 11 – Feb. 2 over which he compiled 12 points (7g, 5a).
The native of Clarkston led the Spartans for the second straight year in game-winning goals, producing four in 2018-19 (Oct. 12 vs. Northern Michigan; Nov. 30 vs. Michigan; Jan. 12 at Penn State; Jan. 20 vs. Minnesota).
His 11 multi-point games were second most on the team to Hirose.
The KHL line of Khodorenko, Hirose and Lewandowski finished the season with a combined 121 points (49g, 72a).
Osburn produced 14 points (3g, 11a) – his most since his freshman season. The Spartans' most experienced defenseman appeared in all 36 games and finished his career with 141 games played.
The native of Plymouth had two points – a goal and assist – both in the third period of the Spartans' three-goal rally against Ohio State on Jan. 4. He had a career-best three assists in the first game of a sweep of Minnesota on Jan. 20.
Osburn scored the Spartans' first goal of the season – on the power play – in a win over Northern Michigan on Oct. 12.
Cesana ended the regular season tied for the league lead among rookies in points with 24, while he led all freshmen in assists with 21. The 21 assists were the most nationally during the regular season among all rookie defensemen.
His 24 points were the most by a Spartan freshman defenseman since Jeff Petry also had 24 in 2007-08.
Cesana had seven multi-point games, four of which came in Big Ten play. Fifteen of his 24 total points came in league games, while 14 of his 21 helpers were in conference action.
The Spartans' highest-scoring defenseman was the team's only rookie to play in all 36 games.
DeRidder, who is the youngest goaltender in college hockey, started 17 games this season, posting a 3.23 GAA and .906 save percentage – both of which led the Spartans.
He earned his first win on Nov. 24 in the Spartans' come-from-behind victory at Minnesota, making 28 saves. He stopped 43 shots the next time out to backstop the Spartans to a 4-3 victory over Michigan.
A night after making 27 saves in a 4-1 win over Wisconsin, he made a Spartan season-high 52 in a tie with the Badgers. It was first time an MSU goaltender made 50-plus saves since Jeff Lerg in 2009.
Brennan Sanford was the Spartans' recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Sanford had four goals and five assists in playing all 36 games. The native of East Lansing will earn a degree in finance this May. The Big Ten recognized seven Sportsmanship Award honorees. The students chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. These students must also be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
2018-19 All-Big Ten Hockey Team
As selected by Big Ten coaches and Media Voting Panel
FIRST TEAM *
TARO HIROSE, F, MICHIGAN STATE
Rem Pitlick, F, Minnesota
Mason Jobst, F, Ohio State
Evan Barratt, F, Penn State
Quinn Hughes, D, Michigan
Bobby Nardella, D, Notre Dame
Tommy Nappier, G, Ohio State
SECOND TEAM
Patrick Khodorenko, F, Michigan State
Tyler Sheehy, F, Minnesota
Sasha Larocque, D, Ohio State
Wyatt Kalynuk, D, Wisconsin
Cale Morris, G, Notre Dame
HONORABLE MENTION
Will Lockwood, F, Michigan
Mitchell Lewandowski, F, Michigan State
Dylan Malmquist, F, Notre Dame
Tanner Laczynski, F, Ohio State
Brandon Biro, F, Penn State
Zach Osburn, D, Michigan State
Cole Hults, D, Penn State
K'Andre Miller, D, Wisconsin
Mat Robson, G, Minnesota
* Additional honoree due to tie
ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
SAMMY WALKER, F, MINNESOTA
Michael Graham, F, Notre Dame
Gustaf Westlund, F, Ohio State
Dennis Cesana, D, Michigan State
K'Andre Miller, D, Wisconsin
Drew DeRidder, G, Michigan State
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Taro Hirose, F, Michigan State
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR (Defenseman or Forward): Sasha Larocque, D, Ohio State
GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR: Tommy Nappier, G, Ohio State
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Sammy Walker, F, Minnesota
COACH OF THE YEAR: STEVE ROHLIK, OHIO STATE
SCORING CHAMPION: Taro Hirose, F, Michigan State
UNANIMOUS SELECTION IN ALL CAPS
The six combined All-Big Ten team accolades were the most of any team and the most ever for the Spartans.
"Taro obviously had an outstanding season on so many levels, as perhaps the most consistent point-producer in the country," MSU head coach Danton Cole said. "To be voted as the player of the year in a conference with so many talented players is a tremendous accomplishment and very well deserved.
"As a program, it's exciting to have so many players recognized. Their contributions to our team this season and helping to further move our program forward were extremely significant."
Hirose is the second player in program history to be named Big Ten Player of the Year, joining Jake Hildebrand who garnered the honor in 2015. It is the 10th time in program history a Spartan has been named a conference player of the year.
Hirose was the Big Ten scoring champion as he led the league in conference games with 34 points (10g, 24a). He finished the season as the national leader in both points (50) and assists (35) and was atop the country in both categories for a string of 71 straight days from Jan. 4 – March 15.
The native of Calgary, Alberta, had a league-high 10 multi-point games in conference play, including six-three point efforts – three more than any other player. More importantly, the Spartans went 5-0-1 when Hirose had at least three points.
On the season, Hirose had 15 multi-point games – a total which led the nation for much of the second half of the season.
Hirose put together a career long nine-game point streak from Jan. 11 – Feb. 8, over which he produced 16 points (6g, 10a).
Hirose's 50 points were the most by a Spartan since John-Michael Liles had the same number in 2002-03, while his 35 assists were the most since Brad Fast had the same total in '02-03.
Hirose signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings on March 12 and ended his Spartan career with 116 points (33g, 83a) in 106 games.
Khodorenko set a new career best with 37 points in 2018-19, which was second only to Hirose on the team. His 18 goals ranked 13th in the nation when the Spartans' season came to an end and were third most in the Big Ten.
In conference play, Khodorenko recorded 29 points, which was third most in the league. His 12 goals in conference action was the second-highest total.
The native of Walnut Creek, California, was a key cog on the Spartans' power play as his nine power-play goals were the second most in the nation and second in the Big Ten. He finished the season with 17 power-play points, which was third most in the league.
Khodorenko had nine multi-point games, including the first hat trick by a Spartan since 2015 (Nov. 2 vs. Ferris State) and the first four-assist game by a Spartan since 2011 (Jan. 4 vs. Ohio State).
For the second straight year, Lewandowski has earned Big Ten honorable mention accolades. The sophomore ranked third on the team with 34 points, including 16 goals and 18 assists.
Lewandowski led the Spartans and tied for first in Big Ten play with 13 goals.
Lewandowski's production increased as the season went on as his 11 goals from Jan. 1 through the end of the regular season led the league. He also recorded a career long eight-game point streak, which was the second longest by a Spartan this season, from Jan. 11 – Feb. 2 over which he compiled 12 points (7g, 5a).
The native of Clarkston led the Spartans for the second straight year in game-winning goals, producing four in 2018-19 (Oct. 12 vs. Northern Michigan; Nov. 30 vs. Michigan; Jan. 12 at Penn State; Jan. 20 vs. Minnesota).
His 11 multi-point games were second most on the team to Hirose.
The KHL line of Khodorenko, Hirose and Lewandowski finished the season with a combined 121 points (49g, 72a).
Osburn produced 14 points (3g, 11a) – his most since his freshman season. The Spartans' most experienced defenseman appeared in all 36 games and finished his career with 141 games played.
The native of Plymouth had two points – a goal and assist – both in the third period of the Spartans' three-goal rally against Ohio State on Jan. 4. He had a career-best three assists in the first game of a sweep of Minnesota on Jan. 20.
Osburn scored the Spartans' first goal of the season – on the power play – in a win over Northern Michigan on Oct. 12.
Cesana ended the regular season tied for the league lead among rookies in points with 24, while he led all freshmen in assists with 21. The 21 assists were the most nationally during the regular season among all rookie defensemen.
His 24 points were the most by a Spartan freshman defenseman since Jeff Petry also had 24 in 2007-08.
Cesana had seven multi-point games, four of which came in Big Ten play. Fifteen of his 24 total points came in league games, while 14 of his 21 helpers were in conference action.
The Spartans' highest-scoring defenseman was the team's only rookie to play in all 36 games.
DeRidder, who is the youngest goaltender in college hockey, started 17 games this season, posting a 3.23 GAA and .906 save percentage – both of which led the Spartans.
He earned his first win on Nov. 24 in the Spartans' come-from-behind victory at Minnesota, making 28 saves. He stopped 43 shots the next time out to backstop the Spartans to a 4-3 victory over Michigan.
A night after making 27 saves in a 4-1 win over Wisconsin, he made a Spartan season-high 52 in a tie with the Badgers. It was first time an MSU goaltender made 50-plus saves since Jeff Lerg in 2009.
Brennan Sanford was the Spartans' recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Sanford had four goals and five assists in playing all 36 games. The native of East Lansing will earn a degree in finance this May. The Big Ten recognized seven Sportsmanship Award honorees. The students chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. These students must also be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
2018-19 All-Big Ten Hockey Team
As selected by Big Ten coaches and Media Voting Panel
FIRST TEAM *
TARO HIROSE, F, MICHIGAN STATE
Rem Pitlick, F, Minnesota
Mason Jobst, F, Ohio State
Evan Barratt, F, Penn State
Quinn Hughes, D, Michigan
Bobby Nardella, D, Notre Dame
Tommy Nappier, G, Ohio State
SECOND TEAM
Patrick Khodorenko, F, Michigan State
Tyler Sheehy, F, Minnesota
Sasha Larocque, D, Ohio State
Wyatt Kalynuk, D, Wisconsin
Cale Morris, G, Notre Dame
HONORABLE MENTION
Will Lockwood, F, Michigan
Mitchell Lewandowski, F, Michigan State
Dylan Malmquist, F, Notre Dame
Tanner Laczynski, F, Ohio State
Brandon Biro, F, Penn State
Zach Osburn, D, Michigan State
Cole Hults, D, Penn State
K'Andre Miller, D, Wisconsin
Mat Robson, G, Minnesota
* Additional honoree due to tie
ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
SAMMY WALKER, F, MINNESOTA
Michael Graham, F, Notre Dame
Gustaf Westlund, F, Ohio State
Dennis Cesana, D, Michigan State
K'Andre Miller, D, Wisconsin
Drew DeRidder, G, Michigan State
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Taro Hirose, F, Michigan State
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR (Defenseman or Forward): Sasha Larocque, D, Ohio State
GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR: Tommy Nappier, G, Ohio State
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Sammy Walker, F, Minnesota
COACH OF THE YEAR: STEVE ROHLIK, OHIO STATE
SCORING CHAMPION: Taro Hirose, F, Michigan State
UNANIMOUS SELECTION IN ALL CAPS
Players Mentioned
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