The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Committee is pleased to announce the three Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalists for the 2023 award, honoring college hockey’s top player. Alphabetically, they are: Logan Cooley, a freshman forward from the University of Minnesota; Adam Fantilli, a freshman forward from the University of Michigan; and Matthew Knies, a sophomore forward from the University of Minnesota.

The three finalists were selected from the initial list of Top Ten candidates by the 30-member Selection Committee and an additional round of online fan balloting to determine this year’s Hobey Baker Award 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.

For the second straight year, a record six of the top ten Hobey Baker finalists will be playing in the NCAA Frozen Four national championship. All four schools will have a Hobey top ten finalist in the tourney.

This year’s Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 7, 2023 live on NHL Network beginning at 6:00pm ET. The 43rd annual Hobey Baker Award show will also include the announcements of the Hockey Humanitarian Award, the East and West All-American Teams and the Mike Richter Award for the nation’s top college hockey goalie. Alphabetically, these are this year’s Hobey Hat Trick finalists. 

 

Logan Cooley – University of Minnesota – Freshman, Forward, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Logan Cooley entered the University of Minnesota for his freshman season with a compete level and skating ability that have made him one of the most exciting players to watch in college hockey this season. Cooley ranks second nationally in scoring with 57 points and leads the nation in assists at 37. He also leads all NCAA players with a +37 rating. He is 5th in Minnesota history in scoring by a freshman, and has the most points by a first-year player since Darby Hendrickson in 1991-92. During the regular season, Cooley led all Big Ten players by earning five Star of the Week honors. He was named to the Big Ten conference’s All Freshman Team and First Team All Conference. The freshman forward was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes third overall at the 2022 NHL Draft.

  • Currently has 20 goals, 37 assists for 57 points – has 2 power play goals and 6 game winners
  • Arizona Coyotes prospect (1st round, 3rd overall, 2022) 

 

Adam Fantilli – University of Michigan – Freshman, Forward, Nobleton, Ontario

Adam Fantilli is another freshman making a big impact this season. He has helped lead his Michigan Wolverines to the Frozen Four and is the NCAA point leader with 64. His impressive numbers don’t end there as he is second in the nation in goals with 29, fifth in assists at 35, and leads the nation in points per game with a 1.83 average. He plays on the power play, penalty kill, takes big faceoffs, and is on the ice in all end of game situations. He has a combination of skill, hockey sense, and compete that impact the game in all areas when he’s on the ice. The Big Ten named Fantilli Freshman of the Year, First Team All Conference, and to the All Freshman Team. In addition to his standout freshman season at Michigan, Fantilli helped lead Canada to a gold medal at the 2023 World Junior Championships, where he had five points in seven games. 

  • Currently has 29 goals, 35 assists for 64 points – has 10 power play goals and 4 game winning goals
  • Expected to be a top three pick at the 2023 NHL Draft

 

Matthew Knies – University of Minnesota – Sophomore, Forward, Phoenix, Arizona

Knies has the size, strength, power, and speed that he uses consistently to make him a key player on the ice. A player who thrives on special teams, the sophomore has produced six power play goals and the team’s only two shorthanded goals. He has come up clutch in big moments with seven game winning goals which is the most in the nation, and were all scored against teams that ranked top 15 in the nation. Three of his seven game winning goals have come in overtime, making him one of only five players in program history to do so, and the only player in program history to do it in one season. Knies was honored at the end of the regular season as the Big Ten Player of the Year and First Team All Conference. 

  • Currently has 21 goals, 20 assists for 41 points – has 6 power play goals and 7 game winning goals 
  • Toronto Maple Leafs prospect (2nd round, 57th overall, 2021)

 

For more information on the Hobey Baker Memorial Award or to access the Hobey logo, visit hobeybaker.com/media. The website has additional bio info, statistics and video of the finalists. Check us out on Facebook at: facebook.com/TheHobey  

The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 7 during a live broadcast on NHL Network and streamed at hobeybaker.com beginning at 6pm ET. Additional national awards will also be announced during the show.

 

College Hockey National Awards Announcements

NHL Network and streamed at hobeybaker.com  

Friday, April 7 at 6:00pm ET (5:00pm CT)

            Hobey Baker Memorial Award – honoring college hockey’s top player

            Mike Richter Award – honoring college hockey’s top goaltender

            Hockey Humanitarian Award – honoring college hockey’s top citizen athlete

            All American Teams – First and Second teams from College Hockey Coaches Assoc. 

            Derek Hines Award – honoring the nation’s unsung hero

            Tim Taylor Award – honoring the nation’s rookie of the year