March 24, 2008

On Thursday, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation announced the Top Ten Finalists for the 2008 Hobey Baker Award. Miami senior forward Ryan Jones, Michigan State junior goaltender Jeff Lerg and Michigan senior forward Kevin Porter are among the finalists for the award which recognizes the top player in college hockey.

Jones leads the nation with 30 goals in 40 games and captained the RedHawks to a second-place finish in the CCHA tournament. He has appeared in every game during his four-year career and has been a CCHA First-Team selection for three consecutive seasons.

Lerg tops all CCHA goaltenders in minutes played (2345:01) and is second in save percentage (.925) and third in winning percentage (.654) in 39 games. A member of the All-Conference First Team, Lerg is also a finalist for the Sullivan Award for the nation's top amateur athlete.

Porter guided the Wolverines to CCHA regular-season and playoff titles and is currently second in the nation in scoring with 56 points in 40 games. He captured CCHA Player of the Year honors and was named to the All-Conference First Team.

Hockey fans everywhere can now visit the website: www.hobeybaker.com to place your vote from the list finalists to determine this year's award recipient.  Click on the Vote for Hobey Baker icon and follow the prompts to make your selection.

This phase of fan balloting will run through March 30, 2008.  The fans' vote accounts for a full 1% of the total ballot.  Additionally, the Selection Committee of 25 members from across the country will cast their votes.

Award criteria include candidates demonstrating the superlative character traits put forth by the award's namesake, Hobey Baker, a World War I flying star better known as America's greatest amateur athlete in his day.  Award candidates must exhibit strength of character both on and off the ice, contribute to the integrity of his team and display outstanding skills in all phases of the game.  Consideration should be given to scholastic achievement and sportsmanship. 

The Hobey Baker Hat Trick of three finalists will be announced April 2, 2008.