Isaac Howard
Isaac Howard was known as a dangerous scoring threat on every shift while helping Michigan State to the Big Ten conference regular season and playoff titles. The junior forward from Hudson, Wisconsin was amongst the national scoring leaders all season finishing with 52 points (fifth in the nation) on 26 goals (tied third in the nation) and 26 assists. He had the nation’s best points per game average, chiming in at 1.41 points per game. Howard scored the majority of his goals at even strength but did add five power play tallies and notched four game winning goals. A prolific shooter, he fired 169 shots on goal to rank fifth in the country, while logging just over 19 minutes of ice time per game. He took only five minor penalties in his Hobey Baker season. Numerous accolades followed including Big Ten Scoring Champion, First Team all-conference and the league’s Player of the Year. Additionally, he was a First Team All-American in the west. “Ike,” as he is known around the team, was a first-round draft pick (31st overall) of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022. He spends some off-ice time with the Spartans Triumph Together program assisting kids in Children’s Hospital. Howard’s rights were traded from Tampa to the Edmonton Oilers where he signed a two-year entry level contract in the summer of 2025. He spent his first pro season split between Edmonton and their American League farm team Bakersfield.
Top Ten:
Has 24 goals, 23 assists for 47 points in 35 games – is 5th in the nation in shots on goal
Tampa Bay draft (1st round, 2022) – had 13 multiple point games
Played his freshman season at Minnesota Duluth – Communications major
Career Stats
2025 Runner Up
Sophomore, Defense, San Diego, California
During his collegiate hockey career at the University of Denver from 2023 to 2025, Zeev Buium established himself as one of the most elite and complete defensemen in NCAA hockey. As a freshman in 2023–24, he posted 50 points (11 goals, 39 assists) in 42 games to lead Denver to an NCAA National Championship while capturing NCHC Rookie of the Year, NCHC Best Offensive Defenseman, AHCA First Team All-American honors, and the National Tim Taylor Award as rookie of the year. Returning for his sophomore campaign in 2024–25, Buium continued his high-level play with 48 points (10 goals, 38 assists) in 42 games, earning NCHC First Team All-Star and back-to-back AHCA First Team All-American honors while being named a Top 10 Finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. Off the ice, Buium actively engaged in team-led community and athletic department initiatives throughout his time in Denver, including:
- Denver Youth Hockey Clinics: Volunteering at regional youth hockey skill practices and development camps in Colorado.
- Pioneer Athletics Community Outreach: Participating in athletic department community engagement events and visits to local hospitals and schools.
- Student-Athlete Mentorship: Supporting campus-led charitable drives and youth mentorship programs throughout his two collegiate seasons.
Sophomore, Forward, Amherst, Massachusetts
During his collegiate hockey career at Boston College from 2023 to 2025, Ryan Leonard established himself as one of college hockey’s most dynamic power forwards and prolific goal scorers. As a freshman in 2023–24, he tallied 60 points (31 goals, 29 assists) in 41 games, leading the Eagles to the National Championship Game, earning Hockey East All-Rookie Team and AHCA East Second Team All-American honors, and setting Boston College’s freshman single-season goal record. In his sophomore 2024–25 campaign, Leonard elevated his play even further, posting 54 points (28 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games while earning Hockey East First Team All-Star, AHCA East First Team All-American, and selection as a Top 10 Finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. Throughout his time in Chestnut Hill, Leonard actively participated in team community outreach initiatives, including:
- Boston College Youth Hockey Clinics: Volunteering at regional clinics to coach and mentor young hockey players in the Boston area.
- Campus & Community Outreach: Participating in athletic department community engagement events and visits to local healthcare facilities.
- Student-Athlete Mentorship: Engaging in campus student-athlete leadership programs and local youth outreach during his collegiate tenure.