On Friday evening, Michigan State forward Isaac Howard was awarded the 2025 Hobey Baker Award, which is given annually to college hockey’s top player. Boston College sophomore forward Ryan Leonard was a top-3 finalist, but didn’t claim the trophy at Frozen Four weekend.
Howard was a top scorer for #2 Michigan State this season, leading the nation in points per game.
Leonard was a goal-scoring machine this year, leading the nation in goals (30) and game-winning goals (9) while being a key leader on the nation’s runaway #1 regular season team. Leonard led BC’s all-star forward group to a lot of success this season, as his goals were key difference makers win wins against tough opponents. Leonard scored two goals in a win over Western Michigan back in October, he scored a goal in each of his two games against #3 Maine, and of course he came away with a hat trick in Agganis Arena against #7 BU.
My favorite ever play by Ryan Leonard was his “opening the flood gates” goal against BU back in 2023:
BOSTON COLLEGE!!! BREAKS THE SILENCE!!! (To be clear, the crowd is very loud) #NCAAHockey x ESPN+ / @BC_MHockey pic.twitter.com/6oagYkCRyj
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) January 27, 2024
Earlier this month, Leonard signed an entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals and he has already made an impact on a top Stanley Cup contender that had Ovechkin complete his chase for Gretzky’s record. Thank you, Ryan!