Countdown to Hobey:
Boston UniversityYear: 2009See School Profile Page

Foregoing pro career offers after his junior year, Matt Gilroy elected to complete his education and captain the BU Terriers, where he wore number 97 to honor his deceased brother, Timmy. That season he helped power BU to a national championship and became the school’s second Hobey Baker Award winner. He produced 37 points in 45 games on 8 goals and 29 assists, tying for second nationally among defensemen. The first defenseman in Hockey East history to earn First Team all-star honors three times, Gilroy also received the Walter Brown Award as best American-born college player in New England and ended his college career having played 145 consecutive games. Off the ice, the Long Island native helped with his family’s summer basketball league and volunteered with the Autism Speaks program. Signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers, he spent two seasons there, then signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011, and was traded mid-season to the Ottawa Senators. In 2012-13, Gilroy returned to the Rangers, where he split time with the NHL and AHL farm club in Connecticut. In the summer of 2013, Gilroy signed with the Florida Panthers.

Top Ten:

As BU secured the No. 1 ranking in the nation, they were led by their veteran captain Gilroy who has become the first defenseman in Hockey East history to be a First Team player three times. Logging a lot of minutes, Gilroy has 30 points in 39 games (8 goals, 22 assists) and led all Hockey East defensemen in points. His durability has allowed him to play 140 straight career games. He wears number 97 to honor his deceased brother Timmy and has another brother, Kevin, who is a freshman for the Terriers.
• Is a +17 on the season and is +73 for his career – had 5 PPG and 2 game-winning goals
• Volunteers with his family to run a Long Island basketball league – also participates in the Autism Speaks programs
• Named MVP of Denver Cup holiday tourney – BU finished first in Hockey East

Player Stats

Type Season Team Name League Goals Assists Points PIM +/-
Hobey Winning Season2008-2009Boston Univ.NCAA829371222

2009 Runner Up

Brad Thiessen
Northeastern

Northeastern’s rise to national prominence was guided by the dependable play of Thiessen.  Named Hockey East’s Player of the Year, First Team all-star and Goalie Champion, he played every minute of the season.  Tied for second in the nation in wins with 25, he sports the 9th best GAA at 2.07 and 6th best save percentage at .932 while leading the nation in minutes played. 

  • Hockey East Player of the Month in October and Goalie of Month November and January
  • Journalism major – named to Hockey East All Rookie team as freshman
  • Record of 25-10-4 – All Tourney at Dodge Holiday Classic at Minnesota
Read More
Colin Wilson
Boston University

Playmakers make it happen and few are doing what Wilson has done, earning 35 assists in 37 games to rank 3rd in the nation.  With his14 goals, Wilson is third in the nation in scoring (49 points) and earned First Team Hockey East along the way.  Last year’s Hockey East Rookie of the Year had 21 points in BU’s nation-best 17-game unbeaten streak.

  • Participates in Autism Speaks programs – History major
  • Had 3 points in Beanpot final, a 5-2 win – had 16 multiple-point games
  • Dad Carey played 13 years in NHL – Nashville draft pick (7th overall ’08)
Read More

Top 10 Finalists