Well, I'm not at all sure how I feel about the possibility of Paul Kariya winning the Hobey Baker Award. I've seen him play four or five games this year, and without doubt he is an exceptional hockey player. He's pure excitement on the ice, his passing is wonderful, and his ice sense seems to be very good. I have no feeling about his defensive abilities - with Montgomery, Ingraham, and Kariya on the ice the opponent usually has very little opportunity for offense. However, I will mention that I have noticed that Shawn Walsh does not play Kariya, Montgomery, Ingraham, or the Ferraros at the end of some games (he probably should have followed that practice at BU on Saturday!) - I don't know if it's for defensive measures or its to avoid injuries to his smaller scoring forwards. Okay - so I'm still thinking about whether Kariya should even be a candidate for the Hobey - but while I do, here's some information to include in the debate... This information is from the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Program from last year's award to Scott Pellerin. "The Hobey Baker Memorial Award is presented annually to the outstanding college hockey player in the United States by the Decathlon Club of Bloomington, Minnesota. . . . Since then, the award has become recognized as U.S. college hockey's premier individual honor." And from the section on balloting... "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, sportsmanship, and aspirations. 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." Well, that should add some grist to the mill. Now for some info on former winners (in case you're still awake): 1981: Neal Broten, Minnesota (Rouseau, MN) F - JUNIOR 1982: George McPhee, Bowling Green (Guelph, ONT) F - SENIOR 1983: Mark Fusco, Harvard (Burlington, MA) D - SENIOR 1984: Tom Kurvers, Minn-Duluth (Bloomington, MN) D - SENIOR 1985: Bill Watson, Minn-Duluth (Powerview, MAN) F - JUNIOR 1986: Scott Fusco, Harvard (Burlington, MA) F - SENIOR 1987: Tony Hrkac, North Dakota (Thunder Bay, ONT) F - JUNIOR 1988: Robb Stauber, Minnesota (Duluth, MN) G - SOPHOMORE 1989: Lane MacDonald, Harvard (Mequon, WI) F - SENIOR 1990: Kip Miller, Michigan State (E. Lansing, MI) F - SENIOR 1991: David Emma, Boston College (Cranston, RI) F - SENIOR 1992: Scott Pellerin, Maine (Shediac, NB) F - SENIOR I think those classes listed are correct - there's some confusion over both Broten and Hrkac since they both took a year off from school to play for their national teams (Broten - US in '80-81 and Hrkac - CAN in '85-86). Anyway, I think this should keep the discussion rolling. I would make the point that there is at least some consideration to goalies and defensemen in the award - unlike those of some other sports which seem to go only to offensive leaders. Also, note that four of the 12 winners are Canadians. Well, that's it for now...I'm still trying to decide whether I think Kariya should be considered...but I'm working on it. Best wishes - enjoy your break (if you have one), Charlie