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The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation hands out the most prestigious award in college hockey annually. The Hobey Baker Award is given annually to the sport's top player, with a heavy amount of the award criteria dealing with a player's off-ice exploits.The committee typically takes things like character and academics into account, and it's common that upperclassmen are favored to win over younger players.
This year, the committee had a very impressive list of ten finalists to work with. That list, which was announced March 18, has now been cut to three. The final three -- known as the Hobey Hat Trick -- will head to Detroit for the award presentation April 9, on the off day of the Frozen Four. Those three players were announced Wednesday.
Two of the three finalists are seniors, and two of the three are NHL draft picks on the verge of what could be very successful careers at the next level.
In addition, one of the three is still playing college hockey. That one is Wisconsin senior captain Blake Geoffrion, who led the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in goals this season, and has been a beast for the Badgers, who play RIT April 8 in the Frozen Four semifinals.
Geoffrion -- a draft pick of the Nashville Predators -- has hockey in his blood. Father Danny, grandfather Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion, and great-granfather Howie Morenz all played for the Montreal Canadiens. Along with leading the WCHA in goal scoring, Geoffrion also took regular shifts on the penalty kill, and was one of Wisconsin's most reliable all-around players. The committee made note of his community service, including visits to UW Children's Hospital.
The only non-drafted player in the Hat Trick is New Hampshire senior forward Bobby Butler. After leading the nation with 29 goals this season, Butler signed a free agent contract with the Ottawa Senators, and he could make his NHL debut before season's end. Butler's work with special needs students and as a mentor for children affected by cancer should serve well with the selection committee.
Gustav Nyquist of Maine is the only underclassman on the list this year. A sophomore, Nyquist -- whose draft rights are held by the Detroit Red Wings -- led the nation in scoring with 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists). He's a dynamic, productive player who has taken huge steps forward in his game at the college level. He's on the Dean's List at Maine, and is a volunteer at local youth hockey clinics.
The committee will announce the 30th annual Hobey Baker winner April 9 at Ford Field in Detroit, an announcement that will be televised on ESPNU at 7 P.M. Eastern.
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