SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Junior goalkeeper Brian Wilson of the Niagara University men’s hockey team has been nominated for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey.
Fans can support the #Hob3yBak3r effort by voting on Facebook once per day for the Purple Eagles’ representative. Fan voting is open until March 9, when the initial pool of nominees will be narrowed to 10. Phase two of fan balloting will begin March 18 and close March 29. The 2020 Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced from a field of three Hobey Hat Trick finalists on Friday, April 10 during the NCAA Frozen Four Championship in Detroit. The award ceremony will be broadcast nationally on NHL Network and streamed live at hobeybaker.com.
VIEW THE FULL LIST OF HOBEY BAKER AWARD NOMINEES
Wilson has posted some impressive numbers in his third season at Niagara. The native of Pickering, Ont., currently ranks second among Atlantic Hockey goalies in terms of save percentage (.924). He also ranks sixth in the conference with a 2.44 goals-against average.
The netminder also has two shutouts in 13 games played this season, one of which was a 70-minute effort that ended when Niagara defeated AIC in a shootout on the road. Wilson thwarted all three shooters faced for the program’s first-ever triumph in a shootout. A recent seven game stretch saw Wilson allow just 10 goals, including two to eighth-ranked Penn State. Between November 22 and January 4, Wilson owned the nation’s highest save percentage (.960) and the fifth-best goals-against average (1.25).
Outside of competition, Wilson also works with youth goalies in the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles organization in his spare time.
The Purple Eagles (4-12-4, 4-6-4-2 AHA) are on the road this weekend with two games at Air Force. The team will return home to Dwyer Arena next weekend for a series against Army West Point on January 24-25. Saturday’s game will feature a postgame open skate session with the players and staff of the Niagara men’s hockey team. Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster or contact the Niagara University Ticket Office at 716-286-TIXX (8499).
About The Hobey Baker Award
Teamwork. Dedication. Integrity. Exceptional play. Humility. And, above all, character. These are the values that set the game of hockey, and those who play it, apart from any other. They are also the values that the Hobey Baker Award honors each year. Candidates must:
Exhibit strength and character, both on and off the ice
Contribute to the integrity of the team
Display outstanding skills in all phases of the game
Show scholastic achievement and sportsmanship
Candidates must also comply with all NCAA rules, be full-time students in an accredited NCAA college or university, and complete 50 percent or more of the season. The Hobey Baker Award was named for hockey legend and World War I veteran Hobey Baker. Universally recognized as the best amateur player in the United States, Baker was the ultimate gentleman sportsman, always playing the game with courage, honor, and humility.
