For the first time since 1991, the top player in the WCHA is from Northern Michigan as Wildcats senior Troy Loggins has been selected the 2018-19 WCHA Player of the Year.

Loggins, who earlier this week was named the WCHA Offensive Player of the Year, was chosen for the top overall league honor by WCHA head coaches from among a group of final candidates that also included two of Loggins’ NMU teammates – Philip Beaulieu (WCHA Defenseman of the Year) and Atte Tolvanen (WCHA Goaltender of the Year) – along with Ferris State’s Cooper Zech (WCHA Rookie of the Year).

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“On behalf of the WCHA, I want to congratulate Northern Michigan student-athlete Troy Loggins on an outstanding 2018-19 season and salute him on his selection as our WCHA Player of the Year,” WCHA commissioner Bill Robertson said. “All four of our final candidates had outstanding seasons, but Troy’s offensive production for one of the top teams in the league makes him a truly deserving winner.”

Loggins, an Anaheim Jr. Ducks graduate, joins former Northern Michigan forward Scott Beattie, who was named the WCHA Most Valuable Player following the 1990-91 season, as the second NMU skater to be recognized as the league’s top overall player.

“Troy had an outstanding season and to be recognized by the coaches of our league is a testament to his impact on each game,” NMU coach Grant Potulny added. “Troy plays in every situation and has worked extremely hard to become a complete player. His desire to win and passion for excellence has left a lasting impression on Northern Michigan University and the community of Marquette.”

Loggins finished his senior season with 40 points on 23 goals and 17 assists. His goal total is tied for second nationally while his 10 power play goals and three shorthanded goals are tied for the NCAA lead in their respective categories. The Huntington Beach native also leads the country with 155 shots on goal.

The senior was a two-time First Team All-WCHA selection and was voted the WCHA Forward of the Week twice this season.

Loggins capped the regular season with his first career hat trick at Michigan Tech on March 1. He followed that performance with two goals the following day on NMU’s Senior Day to give him five points for the second straight weekend. The week prior in a sweep of Lake Superior State, he notched two goals and three assists to help the Wildcats retain the Cappo Cup.

The three goals at Tech were a season-high and he posted three two-goal outings during the season. For his career, Loggins appeared in 136 games and finished with 56 goals and 50 assists to finish with 106 points.

Photo/NMU Athletics

(March 21, 2019)