The award was first given following the 1979–80 season, the first year of the conference's existence (then called ECAC North).

Only three, however, have been named player of the year three times: Reggie Lewis of Northeastern (1985–1987), Taylor Coppenrath of Vermont (2003–2005), and Jameel Warney of Stony Brook (2014–2016).

The award was named in honor of former winner Kevin Roberson of Vermont after he was killed by a drunk driver in his hometown of Buffalo, New York in May 1993.

Former members Northeastern, Stony Brook, and Boston University (which respectively left in 2005, 2022, and 2013) are second with five, while four other schools have at least two awards apiece.

In terms of individual winners, Vermont and BU are tied for the lead with five each.