Michigan State University junior goaltender Jake Hildebrand was named the Big Ten Player and Goalie of the Year Monday night. Hildebrand is the first Spartan goaltender to win such an award since 2004.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Jake Hildebrand watches the video, rewinds it and watches it again.

What the Michigan State University junior goaltender sees in his performances isn’t always what director of operations and video coordinator Phil Osaer sees.

Hildebrand, a Center Township native, appreciates what Osaer, who made a brief stint in the NHL during a 12-year professional career, has to say.

“You get to see a different perspective, think back to what you’re thinking during a game,” Hildebrand said. “It’s a different pair of eyes, you think something and then they throw something else out there. You see yourself from a different view.”

What opposing the Big Ten coaches and media saw was a brick wall.

When the all-conference honors were released Monday, Hildebrand was named the player and goaltender of the year.

“I think it’s really special,” Hildebrand said. “I think individual awards are a reflection on the team, when a guy wins a scoring title it’s a reflection of guys who get him the puck. We play good team defense.”

He was the first Spartan to earn the top goaltender award in the conference since Dom Vicari was named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association’s top netminder in 2004.

Hildebrand started every regular season game for the 17-15-2 Spartans. Michigan State will open the Big Ten tournament Friday in Detroit.

He leads the Big Ten in goals-against average (2.12) and save percentage (.930).

Hildebrand is second in the nation with six shutouts.

“Jake gives us a chance to win each night and he’s certainly very deserving of this honor,” said MSU coach Tom Anastos in a press relase. “He has been our team’s best player all season and it’s nice to see his body of work recognized by the league’s head coaches and media.”

Watching video helped Hildebrand, but teaching others how to play is as important.

Hildebrand has helped out his former coach Shane Clifford, who runs a goaltending camp at the RMU Island Sports Center, for the past four or five years.

“I think it helps you learn a lot about the game,” Hildebrand said. “If you can teach someone else to do it, it helps you do it. I looked forward to the guys that played college and pro who taught me.”

Hildebrand will continue to climb the Michigan State University record list as the season continues. He’s already ranks sixth on the Spartan career list with 2,735 stops, moving past current Vancouver Canucks goalie Ryan Miller.

What he’s more worried about is how the program is growing.

“I think this season is a really good turning point,” Hildebrand said. “My first two years at Michigan State we didn’t get a lot of wins. This is kind of a stepping stone for us and we’re turning the corner.”