Three Big Ten Players Earn HCA Monthly Awards Honors

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Three hockey players from the Big Ten Conference have been recognized with national monthly awards. Michigan senior TJ Hughes was tabbed Co-Forward, Wisconsin senior Ben Dexheimer chosen Defender and Ohio State forward Jake Karabela cited as Co-Rookie for the combined months of March and April. The awards are presented by the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA).

Hughes compiled four goals and six assists for 10 points in six games during the last two months of the season. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year and a AHCA All-American. Dexheimer amassed a goal, five assists and six points in seven games in captaining the Badgers to the NCAA Championship Game. He was an All-Big Ten First Team selection. Karabela totaled four goals and five assists for nine points in five games, helping the Buckeyes advance to the Big Ten Tournament Championship Final. Karabela was selected to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.

The Big Ten had winners for every month the 2025-26 HCA Awards were presented, receiving 11 selections overall. Below is a list of Big Ten recipients for the season:

October
Co-Forward: JJ Wiebusch, Penn State
Co-Defender: Ben Robertson, Michigan
Rookie: Gavin McKenna, Penn State

November
Forward: Will Horcoff, Michigan

December
Goalie: Jack Ivankovic, Michigan
Rookie: Anthony Romani, Michigan State

January
Co-Rookie: Josh Fleming, Penn State

February
Rookie: Gavin McKenna, Penn State

March/April
Co-Forward: TJ Hughes, Michigan
Defender: Ben Dexheimer, Wisconsin
Co-Rookie: Jake Karabela, Ohio State