See also: Ken McKenzie Trophy and Ken McKenzie Award. The Ken McKenzie Trophy was awarded annually by the International Hockey League to the American-born player judged to be most outstanding in his first season. The award is named for Ken McKenzie, the co-founder and longtime president and publisher of The Hockey News.
| Season | Player | Team | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977-78 | Toledo Goaldiggers | ||
| 1978-79 | Saginaw Gears | ||
| 1979-80 | Fort Wayne Komets | ||
| 1980-81 | Toledo Goaldiggers | ||
| Fort Wayne Komets | |||
| 1981-82 | Saginaw Gears | ||
| 1982-83 | Peoria Prancers | ||
| 1983-84 | Muskegon Mohawks | ||
| 1984-85 | Kalamazoo Wings | ||
| 1985-86 | Saginaw Generals | ||
| 1986-87 | Flint Spirits | ||
| 1987-88 | Flint Spirits | ||
| 1988-89 | Salt Lake Golden Eagles | ||
| 1989-90 | Salt Lake Golden Eagles | ||
| 1990-91 | Salt Lake Golden Eagles | ||
| 1991-92 | Salt Lake Golden Eagles | ||
| 1992-93 | Kansas City Blades | ||
| 1993-94 | Indianapolis Ice | ||
| 1994-95 | Denver Grizzlies | ||
| 1995-96 | Utah Grizzlies | ||
| 1996-97 | Orlando Solar Bears | ||
| 1997-98 | Orlando Solar Bears | ||
| 1998-99 | Milwaukee Admirals | ||
| 1999-00 | Milwaukee Admirals | ||
| 2000-01 | Orlando Solar Bears |