Howard, the Big Ten’s regular-season points leader with 46 (23 goals, 23 assists), including 33 in conference play, is a finalist for Big Ten Player of the Year. In two seasons since transferring from Minnesota-Duluth, Howard has tallied 82 points, cementing his legacy at MSU. Howard is also a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the nation’s most outstanding Division I player.

Joining Howard among the honorees is Augustine, the youngest starting goaltender in college hockey for the second straight season and a finalist for Big Ten Goaltender of the Year for the second year in a row.

After appearing in 27 games and helping Team USA secure its first-ever back-to-back gold at the IIHF World Juniors in December, Augustine returned to solidify MSU’s net. The 6-foot-1 goaltender boasts a .925 save percentage (13th nationally) and a 2.09 goals-against average (16th).

The Spartans also have a blue-liner up for grabs as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in Basgall. Basgall recorded 10 power-play points—tied for most among the Spartans — along with six goals and 19 assists in the regular season. His 19 assists rank second on the team, trailing only Hobey Baker finalist Howard.

Head coach Adam Nightingale is once again a finalist for Big Ten Coach of the Year after winning the honor in 2023-24. In his third season, Nightingale has guided MSU to a program-best 24-6-4 record, bringing his three-year total to 67-34-9. Ranked No. 2 in the PairWise, MSU is a lock for the NCAA Tournament, making back-to-back appearances for the first time since 2006-08.

MSU hosts Notre Dame in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Saturday, March 15, at 6 p.m. at Munn Ice Arena. The game airs on Big Ten Network.