For the second week this year, a Spartan has earned the the Big Ten hockey No. 1 star. Jake Hildebrand was recently named the Big Ten’s first star hockey last Tuesday for his exceptional play against Ferris State last weekend.

Hildebrand posted a .947 save percentage, stopping 35 of 37 shots sent his way.

This is the fifth conference honor Hildebrand has received in his career. The last time he was named first star of the week was back on Jan. 21.

Currently, Hildebrand has a .921 SV% and 2.03 GAA. He will lead the Spartans (2-4-0) on the road against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats (2-4-0) this weekend with games on Friday and Saturday night.

Banged and Bruised

Several Spartans are currently recovering from injuries. Ryan Keller and Tanner Sorenson are both recovering from an upper-body injury sustained last weekend and Dylan Pavelek (who missed the Ferris State series) is still recovering from concussion-like symptoms.

Whether or nor Keller, Sorenson or Pavelek will play this weekend against UNH remains unknown.

Jason Ruff is the host of Behind the Mask for Impact Sports

Photo: Brian Bobal/Impact Sports