Michigan State All American & NHL Star Mike York Added to Coach Tom Anastos Hockey Staff!
EAST LANSING - Michigan State hockey head coach Tom Anastos announced today (Aug. 31) the addition of former two-time All-American Mike York to the coaching staff as a student assistant. Following four standout seasons at MSU from 1995-99 and a 17-year pro career that included 10 seasons in the National Hockey League, York has returned to MSU to complete his degree in communication.
“We are thrilled that Mike York will be joining our staff,” Anastos said. “Mike has a wealth of playing experience and is one of our program’s all-time greats. He is passionate about the game, Michigan State University and Spartan hockey; he’ll be a terrific addition to our staff.”
“I’m really happy to again be a part of the Michigan State hockey program,” York said. “This all came about really quickly and I’m excited. I love the game and want to stay involved with it, so this will be a great learning experience. I’m ready to get going.”
York, who ranks 12th in program history with 201-career points, was a two-time first-team All-America selection and two-time Hobey Baker Award finalist. In 2015 he became the eighth Spartan hockey player to be inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
The native of Waterford garnered CCHA All-Rookie Team honors as a freshman and then registered a team-high 47 points (18 goals, 29 assists) as a sophomore in 1996-97, earning All-CCHA honorable mention accolades.
In helping guide the Spartans to both the 1998 CCHA regular-season and tournament championships, York recorded a career-best 61 points (27 goals, 34 assists). His efforts earned him his first of two first-team All-America selections, a spot on the All-CCHA second-team and CCHA Tournament MVP honors. He also was a Hobey Baker Award finalist for the first of two times in his career.
After capturing a second consecutive CCHA regular-season title in 1998-99, York and the Spartans advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four. The Spartans’ success translated into more individual honors for York as he again was voted to the All-America first team. He also was named the CCHA Player of the Year, CCHA Best Defensive Forward and Team MVP, ending the year with 54 points (22 goals, 32 assists).
Following his career in the Green and White, York went on to play 10 seasons in the NHL, with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes and Columbus Blue Jackets, compiling 322 career points. He continued his professional career in Germany where he played from 2011-16.
He is one of 15 Spartans that have competed in the Olympic Games and just one of eight to have earned a medal as in 2002 he helped the USA to a silver in Salt Lake City.
York resides in East Lansing with his wife, Aimee, an MSU alum, and daughter, Ivy.