The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation on Wednesday announced the three Hobey Hat Trick finalists for the 2011 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, honoring college hockey's top player: Boston College junior forward Cam Atkinson; North Dakota senior forward Matt Frattin; and Miami University senior forward Andy Miele.
The three finalists were picked by the 23-member selection committee, based on strength of character on and off the ice, displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, sportsmanship and scholastic achievements.
This year's award winner will be announced at 6 p.m. ET on Friday, April 8, 2011 from the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn., during the NCAA Frozen Four. The announcement will be televised by ESPNU.
Here is more on this year's three finalists:
Cam Atkinson, Boston College -- Atkinson led the team in scoring for a second straight season. Named a Hockey East First-Team All-Star, he led the conference with 24 goals and was second in scoring with 38 points in 27 games. For the season, he had 31 goals and 52 points in 39 games, and had 16 multiple-point games. He ranks second in the nation in goals this season and has 61 the past two seasons. A 2008 sixth-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, he recently signed his first pro contract. Atkinson has been active in the community, volunteering with youth hockey teams, making hospital visits and getting involved with several projects with elementary schools.
Matt Frattin, North Dakota -- Suspended by his team for the first half of last season, Frattin earned an opportunity to rejoin the squad for the second half, then passed up pro hockey to return for his senior season. Named the WCHA Player of the Year and a First-Team All-Star, Frattin helped North Dakota to a No. 1 national ranking plus the WCHA regular season and playoff titles, plus a berth in next week's NCAA Frozen Four championship. He led the conference with 22 goals and 40 points in 28 league games. Entering the Frozen Four, his 36 goals are five more than any other NCAA player, and his 60 points is second nationally. The power forward, a 2007 fourth-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is a two-time All-Academic student-athlete. He has been active with a Grand Forks, N.D. rescue mission, the Grand Forks Parks District and with the Sioux Kids Club.
Andy Miele, Miami University -- Miele tops all NCAA players with 71 points in 39 games, 11 points more than any other player. Miele won the CCHA conference scoring title with 56 points (16 goals, 40 assists) in 28 games, the most points in 19 years in conference play. His 40 assists in conference play were more than any other player had points, a first in league history. His sensational scoring stats and smart playmaking abilities led him to CCHA Player of the Year honors and a First-Team All-Star berth. Miele's 47 assists led the nation, and he had 22 multiple-point games. Miele is an assistant captain, and is active in the community, helping build a house for Habitat for Humanity, volunteering with a Children's Home and visiting a retirement home and local elementary schools. Undrafted by NHL teams, he is a free agent.
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