Press Release

Wisconsin’s Kyle McClellan Wins 2024 Mike Richter Award

Friday, April 12, 2024

ST. PAUL, MN — University of Wisconsin senior Kyle McClellan (Manchester, MO) has captured the Mike Richter Award, given annually to the top goalie in men’s NCAA Division I ice hockey. McClellan is the first Wisconsin goalie to win this award and it is fitting as Richter played his college hockey for the Badgers. The announcement was made tonight by the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA), sponsor of the award.

McClellan led the NCAA with a save percentage of .931, facing 1,024 shots on the year. He had a goals against average of 1.94, second in the NCAA, and recorded seven shutouts, the best in the country and second on Wisconsin’s all-time list. He allowed two goals or less in 23 of the 37 games he played this season. He is a Hobey Baker Top Ten Finalist and he earned Big Ten Goaltender of the Year honors this season.

“It’s pretty special,”said McClellan. “It’s named after Mike Richter who went here, so, being the first Wisconsin Badger to win it is pretty iconic and something that will stick with me the rest of my life.

“I couldn’t have done this without my teammates and coaches and all those who contributed to my success and I’ll always be grateful to everyone who helped me along the way.”

The other finalists for this year’s Mike Richter Award were Boston College freshman Jacob Fowler (Melbourne, FL) and Colorado College sophomore Kaidan Mbereko (Aspen, CO).

Mike Richter enjoyed a phenomenal playing career, highlighted by 14 seasons with the New York Rangers, leading them to the Stanley Cup in 1994, their first in 54 years. A member of the Hall of Fame, Richter was outstanding on a number of USA Hockey Teams, most notably the 1988 Olympic Team, the 1991 Canada Cup Team and as the MVP of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. Mike also played at the University of Wisconsin and earned a degree from Yale University.