The 2016 Hobey Baker Award finalists were announced Thursday, and it’s a fantastic group.
Michigan forward Kyle Connor, Harvard forward Jimmy Vesey and Boston College goaltender Thatcher Demko are this season’s finalists for the award that recognizes the best player in college hockey. Former Boston University forward Jack Eichel won it last season.
Demko is the Eagles’ third Hobey finalist in the last four years. He went 27-7-4 with a 1.85 GAA and a .936 save percentage. Demko was a second-round draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks in 2014.
Vesey led Harvard to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last two seasons. He scored 24 goals with 22 assists in 33 games this season for the Crimson. Vesey has been in the news all week for his controversial decision not to sign with the Nashville Predators, who selected him in Round 3 of the 2012 NHL Draft.
Connor, who some scouts believe is the best prospect not in the NHL, is the favorite to win the award. He tallied 71 points (35 goals, 36 assists) in 38 games for the Wolverines. Connor was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in Round 1 of last year’s draft.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
