2016 | Indiana | BOYS

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School | Brebeuf Jesuit Braves | BOYS

Patrick McKay was chosen to receive the Hobey Baker award based on his character development over a four year time span. As his coach it has been a pleasure to have observed Patrick’s growth from a freshman to a senior. It has been my experience that all players have opportunities to mature over time and some of them have a tremendous amount of distance to cover in 4 years.
Patrick McKay’s “cup of enthusiasm” for the sport and his team was filled to the brim when he was a freshman.  Inexperience, size and a lack of relative skill limited his ability to contribute on a regular basis in games his first year but did nothing to dampen his attitude. Subsequent seasons showed however that as his size and skills grew Patrick’s knowledge of the game and overall confidence was keeping up as well.
Patrick came to his fourth and final season with all the components in the right place. Patrick’s maturity on and off the ice had much to do with him being selected by his peers to be our team captain. As a senior this year, he has reached a high level of on ice ability which is complimented by a fierce competitive desire which is very inspiring to his teammates.  
Selecting Patrick to receive the Hobey Baker Character Award reinforces the idea that no one comes to a hockey team with everything in place right away – it is a process. And within this process there are quite a few hard lessons to learn along the way.  Through a lot of challenges, some false starts and considerable desire and determination, Patrick McKay has demonstrated desire and commitment to improve his game and along with that he has brought an overall attitude that consistently speaks for the betterment of the team.  Patrick McKay is very deserving of the Hobey Baker Character Award.