Howard, a first-round pick (No. 31) in the 2022 NHL Draft, led Michigan State and is fifth in the NCAA with 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year this season, his second at Michigan State after transferring from Minnesota Duluth.

Howard led MSU with 26 goals and 26 assists and was the Big Ten Player of the Year. He is the first Spartan to win since Ryan Miller in 2001.

Each year, the top players in NCAA men's and women's college hockey are recognized with the two most prestigious awards in college hockey, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award and the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award.