The stage is set for the annual Friday Night at the Frozen Four featuring the announcement of the 2017 recipient of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, honoring college hockey’s top player. The initial field of ten finalists has been narrowed to three Hobey Hat Trick finalists: Zach Aston-Reese of Northeastern, Will Butcher of Denver and Mike Vecchione of Union College.

This year’s Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 7, 2017 from the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago, Ill., during the NCAA Frozen Four. The 37th annual announcement will be televised live on the NHL Network at 6 p.m. ET, and streamed on the Hobey website, https://hobeybaker.com/streams.

Additional events tied in with the Hobey announcement include: the annual NCAA autograph signing featuring the two teams in the national final, the three Hobey finalists, presentation of the Hockey Humanitarian Award and announcement of the AHCA All American teams.

Hobey Baker was recognized as America’s greatest amateur athlete during his time at Princeton University where he entered in 1910. He joined the U.S. Army and was a member of their Flying Corp during World War I. Baker, a decorated war hero, died while testing a repaired aircraft following the Armistice. In his day, he was known as ‘the king of hockey.’

Friday at the Frozen Four Schedule

3:30 – 4:10      Autograph session featuring team finalists and Hobey Hat Trick finalists (located in the Aon Grand Ballroom entrance)

4:10                 Hockey Humanitarian Award presentation in Aon Grand Ballroom

4:45                 AHCA announcement of All American Teams

5:00                 Hobey Baker Award presentation

(all times Central Daylight Time)

One of the jewels of Navy Pier is the historic Aon Grand Ballroom. Part of the Pier’s original 1916 construction and reminiscent of an era of elegance and splendor, the Aon Grand Ballroom embodies the magnificence of the past with all the amenities and services of the present. With a sweeping 80-foot domed ceiling and panoramic views of the lakefront, the Aon Grand Ballroom capitalizes on timeless architecture and the beauty of Chicago and the city itself.

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, will be provided seating in the media area.