The first batch of nominees for the NCAA’s Hobey Baker Award have been announced and there are 18 BCHL alums up for the honour.
The award is based on the following criteria:
- Strength of character, on and off the ice
- Contribution to the integrity of the team and outstanding skills in all phases of the game
- Scholastic achievement and sportsmanship
- Compliance with all NCAA rules, including being a full-time student in an accredited college or university and completing 50 percent or more of the season
There are over 75 players nominated and they were submitted by the athletic departments of the Division I schools with a maximum of three candidates from any one school.
The BCHL alums nominated are:
Forwards
Devin Brosseau – Senior – Clarkson University (Nanaimo Clippers)
Blake Christensen – Senior – American International College (Wenatchee Wild)
Jason Cotton – Senior – Sacred Heart University (West Kelowna Warriors)
Nick Halloran – Senior – Colorado College (Trail Smoke Eaters)
Matt Hoover – Senior – Canisius College (Nanaimo Clippers)
Nick Hutchison – Senior – Canisius College (Salmon Arm Silverbacks)
Jordan Kawaguchi – Junior – University of North Dakota (Chilliwack Chiefs)
Max Newton – Junior – University of Alaska (Cowichan Valley Capitals)
Zach Risteau – Sophomore – St. Lawrence University (Merritt Centennials)
Odeen Tufto – Junior – Quinnipiac University (Vernon Vipers)
Taylor Ward – Sophomore – University of Nebraska-Omaha (Penticton Vees)
Defencemen
Yanni Kaldis – Senior – Cornell University (Nanaimo Clippers)
Mike Lee – Senior – Sacred Heart University (Penticton Vees)
Will Reilly – Senior – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Nanaimo Clippers)
Matt Stief – Senior – Canisius College (Prince George Spruce Kings)
Goalies
Matthew Galajda – Junior – Cornell University (Victoria Grizzlies)
Darion Hanson – Junior – Union College (Vernon Vipers)
Brian Wilson – Junior – Niagara University (Powell River Kings)
Click here for the full list of nominees.
Fans have the opportunity to vote for players by visiting the Hobey Baker voting page.
Fan voting for the award will run through Mar. 9. Phase two of fan voting will begin Mar. 18 after the announcement of the top-10 nominees. The Hobey Hat Trick finalists will be revealed on Apr. 2 with the winner being announced Apr. 10 at the Frozen Four in Detroit, Mich.
