Press Release

Michigan's Jacob Truscott Wins 2025 Derek Hines Unsung Hero Award

Friday, April 11, 2025

Graduate defenseman Jacob Truscott (Port Huron, MI) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team has been named the winner of the 2024-25 Derek Hines Unsung Hero Award, the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) announced today.

The award was established by the HCA in honor of former Army player Derek Hines, who was a “consummate team player and team builder.” Hines played at Army from 1999-2003 and was a four-year letter-winner as well as a co-captain his senior season. He was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 1, 2005 in Afghanistan.

A two-year captain at the University of Michigan, Jacob Truscott has been a benevolent leader at the university since arriving on campus in 2020, as well as solidifying himself as a trusted, selfless, and involved member in the community. He has intentionally integrated these efforts into his last four years at Michigan, while building a legacy he will leave behind for his younger teammates to inherit.

“There’s no one more deserving of this honor than Jacob Truscott,” said Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato. “He leads by example, on and off the ice, embodying everything it means to be a Michigan Man. Jacob is an inspiring leader, showing his team that our work at Michigan goes beyond individual contributions. He embodies how to make everyone feel included and part of the community. It’s a testament to the kind of person he is - one who leads by example, puts others before himself, and leaves a lasting legacy far beyond the game.”

As an Academic All-Big Ten selection each of his four seasons, he earned the 2024 Rachael Townsend Leadership Award, presented by the University of Michigan Athletics Department. Truscott has been a leader for his teammates on and off the ice; early in his time at Michigan, he expressed interest in supporting local nonprofits. Zach Werenski, a Michigan Hockey alumnus and current member of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, purchased a suite at Yost Ice Arena, and Jacob helps to identify local non-profit organizations to receive the tickets. After every game, Jacob and a few teammates visit with, take pictures, and sign autographs for the guests of the suite.

Some of the organizations impacted include: The Ronald McDonald House, Mott Children’s Hospital, Ele’s Place, The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Metro Detroit Sled Hockey program, and the Ann Arbor YMCA. Not only did Jacob take on this initiative himself, but he has since introduced his teammates, and brought members of the local community to Yost Arena, many experiencing the historic sights and sounds for the first time. Jacob and the hockey program are able to give parents of patients at Mott Children’s Hospital a brief reprieve, show gratitude to veterans and volunteers, give families joy and a reason to cheer, and create an amazing experience for those who would not have the means on their own.

Truscott is the team leader with Team Impact as well. He has been instrumental in establishing the program as it exists within hockey at Michigan. To date, Michigan Hockey has had the privilege of having two Team Impact members: Kellen and Conner. Truscott has consciously worked to create opportunities for both his teammates and Team Impact teammates to connect.

Over the past four years, Truscott has participated in 56 classes that supported his role as a leader. He participated in classes such as; Discovering your Core Values, Radical Candor, and Uncovering your Personal Why. Truscott dedicated significant time in his career to personal development; a commendable effort while developing a demanding athletic career as well. Truscott’s teammates recognize what he does for others, and the example he sets. He earned Michigan’s Outstanding Sportsmanship Award during the 2023-24 academic year.

Truscott graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Science from the School of Kinesiology. He earned Academic All-Big-Ten accolades four years, and Michigan Athletics Academic Achievement award all four years for maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher. He is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Real Estate Development. During his time, he completed two internships with our own hockey program, learning video coaching and how to engage the larger Ann Arbor community. He also worked at GVN Strength & Conditioning. Both of these internships helped to foster his engagement with the community at large.

On the ice, Truscott has helped the Wolverines to three consecutive Frozen Four appearances and Big Ten titles in both 2022 and 2023. He is the ninth player in the 103-year history of the program to captain the team multiple years and the first since Luke Glendening (‘12).

A 2020 NHL Draft pick by the Vancouver Canucks, Truscott played his junior hockey with the U.S. National Team Development Program for two years. He played in three Five Nations Tournaments, winning gold, silver and bronze medals and claimed silver with USA at the 2018 Four Nations Tournament. Truscott represented the USA at the 2022 World Junior Championships.

Truscott is the first Michigan player and fourth from the Big Ten to win the award since its inception. The other finalists for this year’s award were Maine senior defenseman David Breazeale, U.S. Air Force Academy senior forward Austin Schwartz, Dartmouth College senior forward Steven Townley, and Augustana University senior defenseman Brady Eric Ziemer.

The HCA coordinates the award, with nominations from each of the six Division I men’s hockey conferences. The selection committee votes on the winner “who displays exemplary sportsmanship, is supremely competitive, intelligent and extraordinarily conditioned with an unmatched work ethic.”