Cam Atkinson is one step closer to capping his collegiate career with college hockey's highest honor, as he has been named one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award.
The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation made the announcement on Wednesday, cutting the list from 10 finalists down to three. Joining the BC junior in the final three is North Dakota senior Matt Frattin and Miami Ohio senior Andy Miele.
Frattin has been the leading candidate in discussions surrounding the prestigious honor, as he led the nation in goals during the regular season with 36, adding 24 assists, and has helped his team reach the NCAA Frozen Four.
Miele led the nation in overall points with an astounding 24-47-71 stat line, the highest amount of points in the regular season since Colorado College forward Peter Sejna amassed 82 points (36 goals -46 assists) in 2002-03.
Atkinson has a legitimate chance among the final candidates, however, as the speedy junior led the top-ranked Eagles in goals (31) and points (52) on the year, and helped lead the team to the Hockey East regular season and championship titles.
Winning the Hobey Baker would be the final accolade of his collegiate career, as Atkinson decided to forego his senior year and signed an entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets after the Eagles were ousted from the NCAA tournament. The forward will not go far from his Boston fan base, however, as he has been assigned to the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Falcons.
The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced in St. Paul, Minn., at the NCAA Frozen Four on April 8.
