Kyle McClellan wins 2024 Mike Richter Award

Former Austin Bruin Kyle McClellan wins 2024 Mike Richter Award with the University of Wisconsin (Photos by: Jim Rosvold, Taylor Wolfram)

University of Wisconsin senior and former NAHL goaltender, Kyle McClellan, (Austin Bruins 2018-2019) has been named the 2024 recipient of the Mike Richter Award, given annually to the top goalie in Men’s NCAA Division I Ice Hockey. 

The Manchester, MO native had a stellar season with the Badgers, posting a 24-12-1 record, maintaining a 1.94 GAA and a yearly save percentage of .931, tied for the best save percentage of any goalie in the NCAA. Of his 24 wins, 7 were shutouts, the most by any goaltender during the 2023-2024 season. 

“It’s pretty special, and obviously, it’s a team accomplishment. It shows how far our team has come both on and off the ice,” said McClellan. “It’s an honor to be selected among the other goalies in the NCAA. With Mike Richter going to school at Wisconsin and being named the award, it's a huge honor. With the journey that I've had, I've hit almost every level of play. It’s not a rush to get where you are; just keep working for it.” 

In addition to earning the Richter Award, McClellan was named the Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, the first Badger to earn this award in Program history. He was also named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. McClellan has taken home additional awards as well, including being one of the ACHA All-American Scholars in 2021-2022, was named to the Big Ten First All-Star Team this season, and the NCAA West Second All-American team. 

Prior to transferring to Wisconsin his junior year, the 6’1” netminder spent two seasons at Mercyhurst University. Throughout his four years at the NCAA level, McClellan had an overall record of 41-35-3, a 2.35 GAA and a .926 save percentage. 

As a result of his notable NCAA career, the Iowa Wild of the AHL have signed McClellan one-year, one-way contract contract for the 2024-2024 season. 

With the Austin Bruins, McClellan posted a 22-17-4 record, 2.31 GAA and a .926 save percentage, tallying 5 shutouts throughout the year as well. With his success, he earned a spot on the Omaha Lancers in the USHL the following season. 

“The league was smaller when I was playing but with what the NAHL does, players receive every opportunity to be seen by NAHL scouts,” said McClellan. 

“We are all so proud of Kyle winning the Richter Award and all of his accomplishments since his time in Austin,” said Steve Howard, head coach of the Austin Bruins. “We knew we had a special goalie by the way he carried himself on and off the ice. I have personally enjoyed following his career and watching his development over the last five seasons. We all expect to see many more and wish him all the best with the Iowa Wild.”

The Missouri native also spent four seasons developing in the NAPHL with the St. Louis Selects and CarShield AAA at the 16U and 18U levels. 

“I always knew Kyle was an elite goaltender from a young age when he was with our 16U team (St. Louis Selects AAA),” Head Coach of CarShield AAA Kyle O’Kane said. “He was always very focused every time he was at the rink. Extremely proud to see his hard work and dedication pay off with winning the Richter.” 

He is the third former NAHL goalie to win the award, joining Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets - Odessa Jackalopes) and Jack LaFontaine (Kansas City Mavericks - Janesville Jets). Congratulations Kyle!