Meet the Michigan Athletes Nominated for the ‘Hockey Heisman’

I shouldn't be surprised with how popular hockey is, but I am.

Did you know that college hockey has its own version of the Heisman Trophy?

👇Check Out Every Sweater Number in Detroit Red Wings History Worn Just Once (Or Not At All)👇

The 'Heisman' of College Hockey

They do, and honestly, I think it has a cooler name.

It's called the Hobey Baker Memorial Award (and yes, there's a trophy).

The award is named after Hobey Baker, who played both hockey and football for Princeton University. In fact, Hobey was so good at both sports that he is in both the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

The Michigan Student-Athletes Nominated for the 2025 Hobey Baker Award

In total, there are thirteen student-athletes from Michigan universities nominated for the 2025 Hobey Baker Award. One from Northern Michigan University, one from Michigan Technological University, one from Ferris State University, two from Michigan State University, two from Lake Superior State University, three from the University of Michigan, and three from Western Michigan University.

Northern Michigan University Nominees

This year's sole nominee from NMU is Ryan Oellete, goalie for the Wildcats. Ryan is a transfer to NMU from Niagra University and is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Michigan Tech University Nominees

This year's one and only nominee from Michigan Technological University is junior forward Stiven Sardarian. Stiven comes to Michigan Tech from Saint Petersburg, Russia, and is majoring in English.

Ferris State University Nominees

Junior forward Caiden Gault from Oakbank, Manitoba, is the lone nominee from Ferris State University this year.

Michigan State University Nominees

First up for MSU is junior left wing Isaac Howard. Originally from Hudson, Wisconsin, Isaac is a Communications major who was drafted 31st overall in the 2022 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Next up from the Spartans is Trey Augustine, the sophomore goalie for Michigan State. Trey is a native Michigander, joining MSU from South Lyon, Michigan. Trey was drafted 41st overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Lake Superior State University Nominees

Junior Forward Connor Milburn, a native of Kamloops, British Columbia, has been with Lake Superior State University since he was a freshman. A fun fact about the Electrical Engineering Major is that his younger brother, Reagan, also plays hockey for the Lakers.

READ MORE: The U.P. Has a Motel Specifically For 'Bigfoot Enthusiasts'

Another Junior Forward for LSSU, Sasha Teleguine has also been nominated. Sasha is a native of North Attleborough, Massachusettes, and played for UConn in his freshman year of college. He has since transferred to Lake State where he's studying finance.

University of Michigan Nominees 

First up from The University of Michigan is senior defenseman Ethan Edwards. Edwards, a native of Grand Prairie, Alberta, was chosen fourth overall in the 2020 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils.

Next up for the University of Michigan is Junior forward T.J. Hughes. Hughes is a native of Hamilton, Ontario, and was named honorable mention for the 2023-34 All-B1G Ten team.

Last but not least for the Wolverines is another forward, freshman Michael Hage. Hage, originally from Mississauga, Ontario, may only be 18 years old, but he's already been drafted. He was selected 21st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens.

Western Michigan University Nominees

First up for the West Michigan University Broncos is forward Tim Washe, a graduate student originally from Clarkston, Michigan. Washe is one of 13 Broncos who made this season's NCHC Academic All-Conference Team.

Another Academic All-Conference Team member, Owen Michaels is WMU's next nominee for this year's Hobey Baker. Michaels is a sophomore forward originally from Northville, Michigan.

READ MORE: Every Western Michigan Bronco to Ever Play Major League Baseball

The third Bronco nominated this year is another Academic All-Conference Team member, sophomore forward Alex Bump. Bump joined the Broncos after coming to Kalamazoo from Prior Lake, Minnesota.

Voting for the 2025 Hobey Baker Award

Voting for this year's award is currently open, and you can cast your vote for your favorite player here.

This season's winner will be announced on April 11, 2025.

Former Student-Athletes from Universities in Michigan That Have One the Hobey Baker Award

Unsurprisingly, there have been a few players from Michigan schools who have won the award in the past.

The most recent winner from a Michigan school was in 2023 when Adam Fantilli from the University of Michigan won. (Fantilli currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets.)

Kevin Porter, another former University of Michigan player, won in 2008 and played for a handful of teams in the NHL including the Detroit Red Wings.

Ryan Miller from Michigan State University won the award in 2001. Miller went on to play in the NHL for 18 seasons, primarily with the Buffalo Sabres.

Another University of Michigan player, Brendan Morrison won the award in 1997 before going on to play for multiple NHL teams.

Kip Miller from MSU took home the trophy in 1990. He later went on to play in the NHL before finishing out his career with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.