Top NCAA Hockey Stars Battle for Prestigious Hobey Baker Award

In the world of college hockey, the Hobey Baker Award is the ultimate prize, honoring the top player in NCAA Division I men’s hockey each year. This season, three high-scoring forwards have emerged as the top contenders for this prestigious accolade: North Dakota’s Jackson Blake, Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini, and Boston College’s Cutter Gauthier.

The Hobey Baker Award is more than just a recognition of on-ice talent; it also considers character, sportsmanship, and academic achievements. The selection process is rigorous, with the finalists chosen from an initial list of 10 candidates by a 30-member selection committee and an additional round of online fan voting.

Jackson Blake, a sophomore from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, has had an outstanding season for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. As the NCHC Player of the Year, Blake currently ranks fourth nationally in scoring with an impressive 60 points, including 22 goals and 38 assists. His exceptional play was instrumental in helping North Dakota claim the NCHC regular-season title.

Macklin Celebrini, a freshman from Vancouver, has taken the college hockey world by storm. Ranking second nationally in goals with 32 and tied for second in points with 64, Celebrini has been a force to be reckoned with for Boston University. The Hockey East Player of the Year is also the top-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s ratings and is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Rounding out the trio of finalists is Cutter Gauthier, a sophomore from Scottsdale, Arizona, who plays for Boston College. Gauthier has scored a nation-best 37 goals and is tied for second with 64 points. He was the runner-up to Celebrini for the Hockey East Player of the Year award, highlighting the fierce competition among the finalists.

The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on April 12th during the Frozen Four weekend in St. Paul, Minnesota, with the ceremony being broadcast live on the NHL Network at 5 p.m. ET. Hockey fans and pundits alike will be eagerly awaiting the revelation of which of these three outstanding players will take home the coveted Hobey Baker Award, cementing their place in college hockey history.

As the finalists prepare for the next stage of their careers, whether in the NHL or continuing their collegiate pursuits, their achievements this season have already cemented their status as true stars of NCAA hockey. Regardless of who ultimately wins the Hobey Baker Award, all three players have demonstrated the skill, character, and dedication that embody the spirit of this prestigious honor.