Northern Michigan University’s Troy Loggins, front, races for the puck with Michigan Tech’s Tyler Rockwell, left, on defense during their Dec. 7 game at the Berry Events Center in Marquette. (Journal file photo by Corey Kelly)

“Just playing with Adam (Rockwood) and Denver (Pierce) for the second half of the year, those guys really helped me.” — Troy Loggins, ex-NMU forward, on the key to success in his senior season

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BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Northern Michigan University forward Troy Loggins has had an exciting week so far and the good news kept coming for him on Thursday.

He was named WCHA Player of the Year on Thursday, two days after earning WCHA Offensive Player of the Year and just a day after signing a three-year contract with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

As only the second Wildcat to earn the award as the conference’s best player, Loggins beat out teammates Phil Beaulieu and Atte Tolvanen as well as Ferris State’s Cooper Zech.

Scott Beattie was named WCHA Most Valuable Player during NMU’s 1990-91 national championship season.

“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 President and Men’s 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.”

Northern second-year head coach Grant Potulny concurred.

“Troy had an outstanding season and to be recognized by the coaches of our league is a testament to his impact on each game,” Potulny said. “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.”

In a phone interview Wednesday, Loggins credited his teammates for his success and awards that he has received so far.

“It feels great obviously,” he said. “We got off to a slow start, but I think just playing with Adam (Rockwood) and Denver (Pierce) for the second half of the year, those guys really helped me.

“Obviously, Adam always passes the puck and Denny was doing a really good job as well. It’s really special for me, but it’s also, I think, more of a line of work because I wouldn’t get that without those guys.”

Loggins finished the year tied for second in the nation with 23 goals as he had a total of 40 points. He tied for first nationally in power play goals with 10 and shorthanded goals with three and finished on top outright in shots on net with 155.

He notched his first career hat trick in a March road win over Michigan Tech and is a two-time All-WCHA First Team honoree.

Loggins closed out his NMU career with 56 goals and 50 assists for 106 points in 136 games.

Ryan Stieg can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 252. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.