BREAKING: Drew LeBlanc wins Hobey Baker Award
By Kyle Egan
Apr 7, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles forward Johnny Gaudreau (13) against the Ferris State Bulldogs during the first period of the finals of the 2012 Frozen Four at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Boston College Hockey fans felt insult being added to injury when after their early exit from the NCAA tournament at the hands of Union, star sophomore forward Johnny Gaudreau did not win the Hobey Baker award for the best college hockey player at the Frozen Four in Pittsburgh. Instead, St. Cloud State senior forward Drew LeBlanc won the most votes from the selection committee. Now I don’t know if St. Cloud State is run by Lando Calrissian, but supposedly it is in Minnesota. St. Cloud State’s season was ended in the semifinal game against Quinnipiac where they were thrashed by the Connecticutians 4-1.
Obviously, there was some outrage for the Boston College fanbase on Twitter voicing their frustrations with the Hobey Baker committee’s selection. Johnny Gaudreau was tied for fourth in the nation in points with 51. LeBlanc was right behind him with 50, but led the nation with 37 assists.
The criteria for the award as noted by the Hobey Baker committee:
"Candidates must exhibit strength of character both on and off the ice.Candidates must contribute to the integrity of the team and display outstanding skills in all phases of the game.Consideration should be given to scholastic achievement and sportmanship.Candidates must comply with all NCAA rules: be full time students in an accredited NCAA college or university; and complete 50% or more of the season."
So, we can all theorize on why Johnny Gaudreau did not win this award over the man from St. Cloud, but obviously we will never know the exact reasons from the voters. Anyways, Boston College has won four national championships in thirteen years and will have continued success with a stellar recruiting class coming in next year. Have no fear BC faithful!! Despite the fact that Johnny didn’t win this year, he still has at least one more year to compete for college hockey’s Heisman.
More analysis on the Hobey Baker selection will be up tomorrow afternoon. Have a great Marathon Monday weekend and keep on reading Soaring to Glory!!