Michigan State goaltender Ryan Miller, who already has the NCAA career shutout record to his credit, capped a remarkable season with college hockey's highest honor -- the Hobey Baker Award.

The sophomore from East Lansing, Michigan, became just the second goaltender in the 21-year history of the award, which was announced April 6 at the Frozen Four in Albany, New York.

"It's a great honor," said Miller. "Being mentioned as a finalist would have been good enough for me."

Miller, who had 10 shutouts this season and 18 for his career, helped the Spartans to a 33-5-4 record and the top seed in the NCAA tournament. He led the nation in goals-against average (1.32) and save percentage (.950), both by large margins over his nearest competitors.

"Ryan kept us in games, and in the initial stages of the season he was the reason we were winning," said Michigan State coach Ron Mason. "Anyone who has watched a lot of our games will know that we give up far more quality scoring chances against us than we generate at the other end. The team has worked off of what he has given us -- he has been simply outstanding."

"I dedicate this award to my teammates," said Miller, who also thanked the rest of the Michigan State coaching and training staffs. "Unfortunately, they couldn't be with me today. Half the reason I'm standing here is because they made it such a positive environment to play in."

Miller is the latest in his lineage to excel for the Spartans. His grandfather, Butch Miller, was the first, followed by sons Dean and Lyle Miller. Dean is Ryan's father, and his uncle Lyle contributed sons Kelly, Kevin and Kip. Kip Miller won the Hobey Baker Award in 1990.