The USHL announced on Wednesday that Dubuque Fighting Saints defenseman Dryden Allen has been named the 2024-25 USHL Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
The award recognizes the league's most exemplary student-athlete. Allen is the sixth Fighting Saint and third straight from the club to earn the honor since the USHL began recognizing academic achievements in the 2016-17 season. He joins James Reeder (2024), Lucas St. Louis (2023), Connor Kurth (2021), Mason McCormick (2019), and Alex Steeves (2018).
“We put a strong emphasis on academics in Dubuque,” Saints general manager Trevor Edwards said in a news release. “Our assistant coaches and education coordinator, JoAnne Gibson, work very hard making sure the players have all the resources necessary to succeed in the classroom. Dryden’s ability to perform on the ice and in school is impressive, and we are proud of him for winning this year’s award.”
Allen, a Michigan State commit, holds a perfect 4.0 GPA while recording 15 points (3-12-15) in his first USHL campaign with the Fighting Saints.
In the nine seasons in which the league has recognized academic achievements, the Saints have had 19 players named to the USHL All-Academic Team. Dubuque has had multiple members on the All-Academic team in each of the last eight seasons and has made up over one-third of all USHL All-Academic Team players.
"Dryden represents the highest standard of what it means to be a student-athlete," Craig Bell, Program Chair at St. Michael's Catholic High School, said in a statement. "He is hardworking, humble, respectful, and committed to excellence in everything he does, both on the ice and in the classroom. His ability to make time for others, whether through a genuine check-in or simple encouragement, makes him an exceptional role model."
Also announced today are members of the 2024-25 USHL All-Academic Team. They include:
Dryden Allen (DBQ)
Gavin Cornforth (DBQ)
Heikki Ruohonen (DBQ)
Cole Tuminaro (SC)
Daniel Moor (OMA)
Evan Jardine (YNG)