EAST LANSING, Mich. — Just add another piece of hardware.

But for Jake Hildebrand, this is the biggest piece of all.

The Butler resident and Michigan State University junior goaltender recently received the school’s George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year Award for 2014-15.

He had previously been named Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, Player of the Year and first team All-America.

“This was totally unexpected,” Hildebrand said of the Alderton award. “There’s some big names on that list. I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Previous winners of the Alderton award include Cincinnati Bengal cornerback Darqueze Dennard (2014), Steeler running back Le’Veon Bell (2013), NHL goalie Ryan Miller (2001), college basketball star Mateen Cleaves (2000) and former Pittsburgh Penguin winger Bryan Smolinski (1993).

Hildebrand led the Big Ten with a .930 save percentage, 2.18 goals-against average and six shutouts. His shutout total tied for second most in the country.

In Big Ten play, Hildebrand had a 1.94 GAA, a .940 save percentage and allowed two or fewer goals in 13 of 20 league games.

“Jake had an outstanding year, both on the ice and in the classroom,” Michigan State hockey coach Tom Anastos said in a released statement. “As one of the nation’s elite goaltenders, his play continued to elevate as the season progressed and he became our catalyst in putting us in a position to compete for the Big Ten regular-season championship.”

During the 2015 portion of his junior season, Hildebrand led all goalies nationally with a .947 save percentage.

“Consistency is what I’m striving for next season,” Hildebrand said. “I wasn’t happy with the way I played in the first half of the season.

“Hopefully, I can use the momentum I gained from the second half and play at that level all of next season.”

Hildebrand plans to return to Michigan State for his senior season. He remains hopeful of attaining a professional hockey career.

“We came within a period of winning the (Big Ten) regular season title this year and we’ve got five outstanding freshmen coming in,” he said. “Once the playoffs begin, anything can happen. I fully expect us to be in the hunt.

“Your older players should be your better players. I’m taking that to heart.”

The Spartans were 17-16-2 overall this season, 11-7-2 in Big Ten play.

Hildebrand stands only 6-foot-0 and weighs 187 pounds. Some critics figure his size will play against him as many NHL teams are leaning toward bigger goaltenders.

“My height is something I can’t control,” Hildebrand said. “All I can worry about is how well I play and how consistent I can become.”

Being named the top male athlete at Michigan State isn’t a bad topper on the resume.

“I know it can’t hurt,” Hildebrand said.”I appreciate being thought of that highly. It means a lot.”