2026 | Maryland | COED

Urbana High School | Hawks | COED

Each year since 2003, a single senior hockey player from each participating high school is selected by his or her coach to be honored by teammates and celebrated by the school and the community for outstanding individual performance on and off the ice. The goal of the “Hobey Baker High School Character Award” is to develop, recognize, and reward exemplary character and sportsmanship demonstrated by our high school hockey players. The development and recognition of exemplary character and sportsmanship in our high school players is an extremely important aspect of the student-athlete experience. This high school level award is a natural extension of the prestigious Hobey Baker Memorial Award given to the nation’s top collegiate hockey player and sportsman. The award should go to a single player from the senior class of each high school team.

Zachary Thayer works as a leader with the players and when necessary, offers specific advice to his teammates. Zachary’s attitude and effort could easily be instilled in others due to his work ethic and teaching skills. He has exceptional hockey skills and is a great player, sacrificing his personal glory, statistics, and accolades for the betterment of the team. Team leadership characteristics since his freshman year, Zachary has shown leadership in school, on the ice, in the locker room, and outside the rink. Competitors respect him and his team honors him. Although sometimes quiet-spoken, Zachary is very serious when it comes to competition, discipline, and respect. He has mentored many of the underclassmen and it is evident that players look up to him. Zachary is an outstanding student on and off the ice and also excels in lacrosse and most importantly in the classroom. His positive character traits and determination, strong work ethic and leadership style, makes Zachary a wonderful nominee for this distinguished award. I couldn’t think of someone else better that not only represents the Hobey Baker Award, but also the Urbana Hawks.

Getting this award is an honor to receive and an honor that any coach should be proud to give. It represents Character, Commitment, Teamwork, Persistence, Selflessness, Academic Excellence and Sportsmanship and a “Team before me” attitude. I am honored to present Zachary Thayer with this year’s Hobey Baker Award.