The Hobey Baker Memorial Award is pleased to announce the three Hobey Hat Trick finalists for the 2016 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, honoring college hockey's top player. Alphabetically, they are: Kyle Connor, freshman forward from the University of Michigan, Thatcher Demko, junior goalie from Boston College and Jimmy Vesey, senior forward from Harvard University.
The three finalists were selected from the initial list of Top Ten candidates by the 27-member Selection Committee and an additional round of online fan balloting to determine this year's Hobey Baker winner. Criteria for the award includes: displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, strength of character on and off the ice, sportsmanship and scholastic achievements.
This year's Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 8, 2016 from the Tampa Theatre in Tampa, Flor. during the NCAA Frozen Four. Built in 1926 the theatre was known as one of America's finest movie palaces of its era. The 36th annual announcement will be televised live on the NHL Network at 6 p.m. ET, and at the Hobey website, www.hobeybakeraward.com. Here is more on this year's three finalists:
Kyle Connor, University of Michigan, Freshman, Forward, Shelby Township, Michigan
A very fast and dynamic forward, Connor completed his rookie season as the nation's leader in points and goals and did so in fantastic fashion, ending the campaign with a 27-game point streak. Attempting to become the second straight freshman to win the Hobey, Connor has already been acknowledged as the Big Ten conference scoring champion, Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, First Team all-conference and All-Freshman team.
- Had 35 goals, 36 assists for 71 points in 38 games – had 19 multiple-point games
- Winnipeg draft pick (1st round) – had points in 35 of 38 games this season
- His +34 plus-minus is 5th in the nation – participated in "Mock Rock" student-athlete talent show fund raiser; assisted with "Grow Blue" initiative for men's health issues
Thatcher Demko – Boston College – Junior, Goalie, San Diego, California
Demko had a sizzling start to the season recording six shutouts in his first nine games. But many observers feel it was key saves at critical times during a game that helped his Eagles soar to the top of Hockey East and ultimately into the Frozen Four championship tournament. Demko was named Most Outstanding Player at the Northeast Regional as well as co-Player of the Year in Hockey East and First Team all-conference.
- Currently has a record of 27-7-4 with ten shutouts – Vancouver draft pick (2nd round)
- Has a goals against average of 1.85 (tie-7th nation) – save percentage of .936 (tie-2nd nation) – his 10 shutouts leads the nation and is third in the nation with 27 wins
- Majoring in Applied Psychology – assists with Boston College toy drive
Jimmy Vesey – Harvard University – Senior, Forward, North Reading, Massachusetts
For the second straight year, Vesey (VEE-zee) is a Hobey Hat Trick finalist. Known as a great two-way player who made others around him better, he is the nation's leading goal scorer over the past two seasons bagging 56 goals including 24 this year. For two years in a row, Vesey is the Ivy League Player of the Year, the ECAC Player of the Year, First Team all-conference and a repeat winner of the Walter Brown Award as the top American-born player in New England.
- Had 24 goals, 22 assists for 46 points in 33 games – speaks fluent Mandarin
- Nashville draft (3rd round) – turned down pro contract to finish his education
- Government major – active in several community service projects
For more information on the Hobey Baker Memorial Award or to access the Hobey logo, visit www.hobeybakeraward.com. The website has additional bio info, statistics and video of all top ten finalists. Check us out on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/TheHobey
The Hobey Baker Award announcement at the Tampa Theatre is a free event and open to the public. Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with an autograph signing on the plaza between the Tampa Theatre and the TECO Building, featuring the two teams in the national championship game. At 5:15 p.m., the Hockey Humanitarian Award presentation will take place followed by the Hockey Coaches Association announcement of their All American teams and other national awards. The Hobey Baker Award announcement will begin at 6 p.m. Credentialed media by the NCAA may use their NCAA pass for access to the main floor – other media covering the Hobey Baker Award event only, please respond to Wally Shaver (wshaver@charter.net) for a credential.