HOBEY HAT TRICK ANNOUNCED

The Hobey Baker Memorial Award is pleased to announce the three Hobey Hat Trick finalists for the 2015 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, honoring college hockey’s top player. Alphabetically, they are: Jack Eichel, freshman forward from Boston University, Zane McIntyre, junior goalie from the University of North Dakota and Jimmy Vesey, junior 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 10, 2015 from Matthews Arena in Boston, Mass. during the NCAA Frozen Four. Built in 1910 and known as Boston Arena back then, Matthews is the world’s oldest hockey arena and is the only remaining rink where Princeton star Hobey Baker once played. The 35th annual announcement will be televised live regionally on NESN and on the NHL Network at 5 p.m. ET, and at the Hobey website, www.hobeybakeraward.com. Here is more on this year’s three finalists:

Jack Eichel – Boston University, Freshman, Forward, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts The first freshman Hobey candidate in 12 years, this 18-year old sensation leads the nation in scoring, collecting 67 points in just 38 games. Eichel (IKE-ul) was the Hockey East scoring champion, Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, First Team Hockey East and a member of the All-Rookie Team and, was named Most Valuable Player at the Hockey East playoff tournament. Eichel also leads the nation in assists, power play points (22) and in plus-minus with a +49.
• Has 24 goals, 43 assists for 67 points in 38 games – has had 20 multiple-point games
• Is a General Studies major – mentors a brain cancer youth and helps with Autism Speaks
• Was captain of the U.S. World Junior Team – considered a top three NHL draft pick

Zane McIntyre – University of North Dakota, Junior, Goalie, Thief River Falls, Minnesota McIntyre has already become UNDs all-time leader in career goals against average and save percentage. He was named First Team NCHC and Goalie of the Year and was a finalist for Player of the Year honors as well. He has played in all but one game this season for North Dakota and ranks as the busiest goalie in the nation. He was the catalyst for North Dakota to reach the Frozen Four this year.
• Entering the Frozen Four, he has a record of 29-9-3 with one shutout – his 29 wins leads the nation; goals against average of 2.00 (11th in the nation) – save percentage of .931 (6th in the nation)
• Boston draft pick (6th round) – Majoring in Psychology and pre-occupational therapy
• Volunteers with elementary school visits; assists Special Olympics and youth hockey

Jimmy Vesey – Harvard University, Junior, Forward, North Reading, Massachusetts Harvard’s first Hobey finalist in ten years had a huge season, winning the ECAC scoring title while piling up 58 points. He also leads the nation with 32 goals. Vesey (VEE-see) was off to the races early, earning points in each of the first 20 games of the season and produced points in 34 of the 37 games he played in. Saving his best for last, Vesey had 10 goals and 4 assists in 8 playoff games, including three game winning goals. He was the ECAC Player of the Year and First Team all-conference.
• Had 32 goals, 26 assists for 58 points in 37 games – ranks 3rd in the nation in points
• Won the Walter Brown Award as the top American born player in New England – speaks fluent Mandarin
• Nashville draft pick (3rd round) – Government major – assists with Special Olympics

In one of the more interesting Hobey Hat Trick scenarios, Eichel and the Boston University Terriers will test McIntrye and North Dakota in the national semi-final game for the opportunity to advance to the championship match on Saturday, April 11.

For more information on the Hobey Baker Memorial Award or to access the Hobey logo, visit About the Hobey Baker Award. The website has additional bio info, statistics and video of all top ten finalists. Check us out on Facebook at: Hobey Baker Memorial Award Facebook

The Hobey Baker Award announcement at Matthews Arena is a free event and open to the public. Festivities will begin at 3 p.m. with an autograph signing, featuring the two teams in the national championship game. At 4 p.m., the Hockey Coaches Association will announce their All American teams and other national awards; that will be followed by recognition of the Massachusetts High School Hobey Baker Character Award winners; the Hockey Humanitarian Award presentation will be at 4:30; and, the Hobey Baker Award announcement at 5 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 ( [email protected]) for a credential.