Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Jacob Truscott was named the Big Ten conference’s “Outstanding Sportsmanship Award” for male athletes, as noted by MGoBlue.com’s Leah Howard and Kristy McNeil:
The winner of the 2024-25 Derek Hines Unsung Hero Award and a nominee for the Hockey Humanitarian Award, Truscott earned his second straight Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
A two-year captain and five-year letter-winner on the Michigan ice hockey team, Truscott led the program to three consecutive Frozen Fours and back-to-back Big Ten Tournament appearances. He graduated with a bachelor’s in applied exercise science and a graduate certificate in Real Estate. A native of Port Huron, Mich., Truscott skated in 166 games for the Wolverines and had 70 points with a +44 on-ice rating and 201 blocked shots — the fifth most in school history.
During his time at Michigan, Truscott earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors, four Academic All-Big Ten accolades and was the 2024 recipient of the Rachael Townsend Leadership Award. A leader on and off the ice, Truscott partnered with alum Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets to identify local non-profit organizations to receive the tickets to home hockey games. After every game, Truscott and a few teammates visit with, take pictures, and sign autographs for the guests of the suite. Some of the organizations impacted included 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.
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 his teammates and Team Impact teammates to connect.
