MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Senior forward Kevin Porter (Northville, Mich.) of the No. 1-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team was named one of the three Hobey Hat Trick finalists for the 2008 Hobey Baker Memorial Award on Wednesday evening (April 2). The Hobey Baker committee will announce the winner among Porter, Boston College forward Nathan Gerbe and Miami forward Ryan Jones next Friday (April 11) at the NCAA Frozen Four in Denver, Colo. Criteria for the award includes: strength of character on and off the ice, displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, sportsmanship and scholastic achievements.

The 11th Wolverine to be tabbed as a Hobey Baker finalist, Porter is the first U-M player to be picked for the "Hobey Hat Trick" since the format was adopted in 2002. Michigan's only Hobey Baker Award winner is Brendan Morrison, who won it in 1997.

Michigan's captain, Porter has led the 2007-08 Wolverines to a record of 33-5-4 and a berth in the 2008 NCAA Frozen Four (April 10-12). Additionally, Porter has piloted the Wolverines to CCHA regular-season and postseason championships, as well as the nation's No. 1 ranking for more than half the season. Personally, Porter was recognized as the CCHA Player of the Year and was All-CCHA first team after leading the league in scoring (22-20-42). Porter also leads the nation in goals (33), goals per game (0.79), points (62) and points per game (1.48). Last week at the NCAA East Regional in Albany, Porter collected Most Outstanding Player honors and all-tournament team recognition by notching five goals and one assist to push U-M past Niagara and Clarkson. His four goals against Niagara set an NCAA Regional record. Porter has accumulated just 18 penalty minutes this season. His plus/minus rating of +34 leads the Wolverines.

Porter's 182 career points rank 18th in U-M's annals. His 85 career goals rank 19th among forwards, while his 97 assists put him in a tie for 20th among forwards.

In the community, Porter routinely visits the University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital, while he also has participated in activities for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and U-M Dance Marathon, which raises money for pediatric rehabilitation.

Porter is scheduled to graduate with a degree in general studies later this month.

The Hobey Baker winner is chosen by the Hobey Baker Selection Committee, which is a group of coaches, scouts, media and a representative from USA Hockey.

Porter and the top-ranked Wolverines will take on No. 5 Notre Dame in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals on Thursday, April 10.

Contact: Matt Trevor (734) 763-4423