Michigan State Hockey Goalie Jake Hildebrand Earns CCHA Goaltending Honors

East Lansing, Mich. -- Michigan State freshman Jake Hildebrand (Butler, Penn.) has been named the CCHA Warrior Goaltender of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday, Jan. 14. It is the first weekly award in Hildebrand’s career.

The Spartans are coming off a split at home against No. 2/3 Notre Dame. Hildebrand was the hard-luck loser on Friday despite 32 saves, as a second-period power-play goal stood up for the Irish in a 1-0 victory. On Saturday, he made 33 saves as the Spartans found some offense, and posted a 4-1 win. He was selected as the second star after Friday’s game, and the first star in Saturday’s win.

On the weekend, Hildebrand stopped 65 of 67 shots, including a single-period high of 18 in the Saturday contest.

Hildebrand has been a very bright development for the Spartans over the first half of the season. He has allowed two goals or fewer in 13 of his 15 starts, and ranks fourth in the nation in save percentage (.943) and eighth in GAA (1.81).

Hildebrand and the Spartans are back in action with a home-and-home series against Ferris State. MSU hosts the national runners-up on Friday at 7:35 p.m., and will play the Bulldogs in Big Rapids on Saturday at 7:05 p.m.