Mike York was a star forward for Michigan State University from 1995 to 1999. In his junior season (1997-98), he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist after posting a career-best 61 points. He would be named a finalist again in his senior year, when he led the Spartans to the NCAA Frozen Four and was named the CCHA Player of the Year. York finished his collegiate career as one of only 14 players in Michigan State history to reach the 200-point milestone.

After his impressive college career, York was drafted by the New York Rangers in the sixth round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to play 10 seasons in the NHL, for the Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, and Columbus Blue Jackets. York had a productive rookie season, earning a spot on the 1999-2000 NHL All-Rookie Team. He also won a silver medal with Team USA at the 2002 Winter Olympics. York finished his career with 322 points in 579 NHL games and played professionally in Germany before retiring in 2016.