Eichel Amongst 10 Hobey Baker Finalists
March 19, 2015 | Men's Ice Hockey
BOSTON - For the first time in a dozen years, a freshman is amongst the finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given to the nation's top college hockey player. Jack Eichel of the Boston University men's ice hockey team, who leads the country in scoring as a rookie, is on the list year's list of 10 finalists, as announced on Wednesday.
Joining Eichel as finalists are Daniel Ciampini (Union), Matt Garbowsky (RIT), Zach Hyman (Michigan), Tanner Kero (Michigan Tech), Joey LaLeggia (Denver), Zane McIntyre (North Dakota), Mike Reilly (Minnesota), Jimmy Vesey (Harvard) and Cody Wydo (Robert Morris).
Eichel is the first-ever freshman from BU to be named a finalist for the prestigious award. He will look to become the third Terrier to earn the honor, as Chris Drury was the first in 1997 and Matt Gilroy was the most recent winner in 2009 while leading BU to its fifth national title. Gilroy and Colin Wilson were the most recent Terriers to be named finalists six years ago.
The North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, native, leads the nation in points (61), assists (41) and plus/minus (+42). He is four points away from tying the school record for points by a freshman and he is the just the third Terrier in the past 35 years to record over 40 assists in a season, joining John Cullen and Shawn McEachern.
The ten finalists were selected by voting from all 59 Division I college hockey head coaches and by online fan balloting at www.hobeybakeraward.com. Next, the 27-member Selection Committee and an additional round of fan balloting (at www.hobeybakeraward.com from March 19-29) will determine this year's winner. Criteria for the award include: displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, strength of character on and off the ice, sportsmanship and scholastic achievements.
The Hobey Hat Trick, consisting of three finalists, will be announced on April 2, 2015, and the Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 10, during the NCAA Frozen Four. The award announcement will take place at Northeastern's Matthews Arena, a rink where Hobey Baker once played.
