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 | Mike Eruzione | Toledo Goaldiggers |
| 1978-79 | Jon Fontas | Saginaw Gears |
| 1979-80 | Bob Janecyk | Fort Wayne Komets |
| 1980-81 | Mike Labianca | Toledo Goaldiggers |
| Steve Janaszak | Fort Wayne Komets | |
| 1981-82 | Steve Salvucci | Saginaw Gears |
| 1982-83 | Paul Fenton | Peoria Prancers |
| 1983-84 | Mike Krensing | Muskegon Mohawks |
| 1984-85 | Bill Schafhauser | Kalamazoo Wings |
| 1985-86 | Brian Noonan | Saginaw Generals |
| 1986-87 | Ray LeBlanc | Flint Spirits |
| 1987-88 | Dan Woodley | Flint Spirits |
| 1988-89 | Paul Ranheim | Salt Lake Golden Eagles |
| 1989-90 | Tim Sweeney | Salt Lake Golden Eagles |
| 1990-91 | C J Young | Salt Lake Golden Eagles |
| 1991-92 | Kevin Wortman | Salt Lake Golden Eagles |
| 1992-93 | Mark Beaufait | Kansas City Blades |
| 1993-94 | Chris Rogles | Indianapolis Ice |
| 1994-95 | Chris Marinucci | Denver Grizzlies |
| 1995-96 | Brett Lievers | Utah Grizzlies |
| 1996-97 | Brian Felsner | Orlando Solar Bears |
| 1997-98 | Eric Nickulas | Orlando Solar Bears |
| 1998-99 | Mark Mowers | Milwaukee Admirals |
| 1999-00 | Andrew Berenzweig | Milwaukee Admirals |
| 2000-01 | Brian Pothier | Orlando Solar Bears |