Countdown to Hobey:

The Hobey Baker Committee

Character Builds Excellence

The Hobey Baker Award is planned and implemented by volunteers who are passionate about hockey and committed to the Hobey Baker ideal. Collectively this group is known as The Committee. Each year one of its members is designated to be the Chairman, becoming responsible for ensuring that the Hobey Baker Foundation’s programs are the best they can be. Learn more about becoming a volunteer member of The Committee by contacting the Foundation’s executive director.

2025 COMMITTEE CHAIR

Rick Zechini

As a lifelong hockey fan, it has been a dream come true for Rick to serve on the Hobey Baker Committee. Rick has been on the Committee since 2016 and prior to his role as the Chairman, Rick served as both the Secretary and Vice Chairman. He is also the Co-Chair of the Past Winners Committee, a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, and active with the Hobey Baker High School Character Award.

Rick holds a Level 4 coaching certification from USA Hockey and coaches youth hockey teams of all ages. In addition, he volunteers with the First Goal Program to teach novice players the fundamentals of hockey. He also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Clubs, providing inner-city youth instruction on hockey and life skills. He even finds time to lace the skates up for men’s league games.

When not playing, coaching, watching, or talking about hockey, Rick practices law and specializes in government relations, procurement, campaign finance, electioneering, and other regulatory issues. He and his wife of twenty-four years, Jill, are the proud parents of Leo (19) and Jane Gray (17).

Past Chairmen

  • 2024 Corey Grothman
  • 2023 Joey Reilly
  • 2022 Joseph Santarelli
  • 2021 John Dahl
  • 2020 Chuck Ranney
  • 2019 Tom Hauser
  • 2018 Peder Melin
  • 2017 Trevor Larsen
  • 2016 Chris Bonnell
  • 2015 John Russo
  • 2014 Dan Hoene
  • 2013 Hans Skulstad
  • 2012 Wally Olson
  • 2011 Catie Tobin
  • 2010 Gary Haugen
  • 2009 Lance Madson
  • 2008 Jim Martin
  • 2007 Bruce Kubes
  • 2006 Kevin Milbery
  • 2005 Kevin Moquist
  • 2004 Jon Doehr
  • 2003 Jim Nichols
  • 2002 Les Larson
  • 2001 Jack Carlson
  • 2000 Don Gorowsky
  • 1999 John Rendall
  • 1998 Dave Jones
  • 1997 George Konik
  • 1996 Dal Holmberg
  • 1995 Dave Lindberg
  • 1994 Russ Mattson
  • 1993 Greg Schwarck
  • 1992 Burt Dahlberg
  • 1991 Jack Almquist
  • 1990 Doug Faust
  • 1989 Bill Velin
  • 1988 Tom Berkelman
  • 1987 Steve Moosbrugger
  • 1986 Mark Chronister
  • 1985 Jeff Mack
  • 1984 Gary Gandrud
  • 1983 Ron Marien
  • 1982 Cy Laurent
  • 1981 Russ Chance

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