The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation is 501(c)3 non-profit corporation committed to the advancement of athletic achievement, character, and sportsmanship in college and high school hockey. It was established in 1991 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Foundation annually recognizes college hockey’s most outstanding player through the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, named for the early twentieth century athlete widely regarded to be the first great American hockey player. Established in 1981, the award’s unique criteria include strength of character, sportsmanship, and academic achievement as well as excellence on the ice—the characteristics embodied by Hobey Baker in his lifetime. The Hobey Baker Memorial Award is college hockey’s most prestigious award.

In 2003 the Foundation created a program for high school ice hockey players and coaches that is rooted in the belief that that it takes more than outstanding hockey skills to develop great student athletes. In short, it takes character to build excellence.

The Hobey Baker High School Character Award is presented annually to the boy or girl on each participating team who best exemplifies Hobey Baker’s values and traits on and off the ice. High school hockey coaches in 18 states select the team member to receive the honor based on character, commitment, teamwork, persistence, selflessness, and academic achievement.

In addition to overseeing the Hobey Baker Memorial Award and the High School Character Award program, the Foundation annually honors one of the all-time great contributors to college hockey through the Legends of College Hockey Award. Established in 1981, the award acknowledges the outstanding contributions of inhttps://www.hobeybaker.comdividuals who have left their mark on the game, from playing to coaching to rule making.