Many referred to Johnny Gaudreau (pronounced GOO-dreau), as Johnny Hockey and for a very good reason. He tore through the college hockey season averaging two points per game, putting up 80 points in 40 games to record the highest point total in Division I college hockey in 11 years.

Gaudreau lit up everyone, recording points in all but two games, including a 31-game point streak to tie a Hockey East record (Paul Kariya, Maine, 1993). Two was his lucky number: two-time Hockey East scoring champion, two-time Hockey East Player of the Year, two-time all- conference, two-time First Team All American and two-time Hobey Baker hat-trick finalist. Gaudreau completed his Hobey season leading the nation in goals (36), assists (44), points (80) and was second in plus-minus (+42). He saved his best for last – in 3 NCAA playoff games, Johnny had 4 goals and 7 assists.

A communications major, Gaudreau signed a professional contract with the team who drafted him, the Calgary Flames and became just the fifth player in NHL history to score a goal on his first shot in his first NHL game. Off the ice, Johnny spent time visiting elementary schools and mentoring a special needs team. In his first NHL season (2014-15), Gaudreau scored 24 goals and 40 assists in 80 games and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year.

The Award: