>We want some finalists. Colin and Niko need some votes!! You can vote
>every day.
>]http://www.hobeybaker.com/vfh/vote.php

Geez ... many years we have a great candidate or two, but this year?

Colin should get rookie recognition, but he's listed as a Sophomore.  He
has 18 goals in 22 games, tieing him for 5th nationally (leader has 20).

As far as performances go, consider arch-rival UNH's Darren Haydar.  He
is 19-30 for 49 points in 21 games.  Colin is 18-9 for 27 points.

Looking for a Hobey Baker-type season?  Consider UMass Lowell's Cam
McCormick and his 1.10 goals against average (just up from 0.62) with a
0.952 save percentage (just down from 0.97) and a record of 11-1-1.

Now a "westerner" would say this is a Hockey East-centric attitude;
I say not shabby as performances go.

But the Hobey Baker Award is more than just performance numbers:

 Award Criteria

  1. Candidates must exhibit strength of character both on and off the
     ice.

  2. Candidates must contribute to the integrity of the team and display
     outstanding skills in all phases of the game.

  3. Consideration should be given to scholastic achievement and
     sportmanship.

  4. Candidates must comply with all NCAA rules: be full time students in
     an accredited NCAA or NAIA college or university;  and complete 50%
     or more of the season.


Given what little I know about players off the ice, I'd give a UMaine
team nod to Mike Morrison.  His speech at Coach Walsh's farewell tribute
and comments to the media show this young man to be one of the most
thoughtful and well-spoken players ever to have played at Maine.
His play is outstanding, and he is finally being recognized as the go-to
guy by getting the majority of starts (He has started last 4 games).

My picks for Maine "1st team" over 1st half of the season: Morrison,
Shields, Kariya, Dimitrakos and Metcalf (leaving other defensive
position open).  Pleasant surprises of the season, for me: Reimann,
Shaneburger and Barnes.

cheers, wayne

Wayne T. Smith
[log in to unmask]                          Old Town Landing
The College Hockey lists: Hockey-L and Hockey3 at http://lists.Maine.edu/