NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Center Giancarlo Iuorio and goaltender Carsen Chubak are among 77 initial candidates on the fan ballot for the 2013 Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the nation’s best player in NCAA Division I men’s college hockey.
Fans can vote once per every 24 hours through March 10, 2013 for Iuorio and Chubak HERE.
Chubak anchors Niagara’s defense, which ranks ninth in the nation, allowing 1.46 goals-per game which is good enough for second in the country. Leading the Purps to a No. 17 national ranking and an 11-3-4 overall record, Chubak ranks first in the nation in save percentage .954 and shutouts (5).
Starting in all, but two games over the last 17 games, he is a five-time Atlantic Hockey Goalie of the Week this season and was the AHA Goalie of the Month for October and November.
Iuorio, who serves as the team’s assistant captain, has played a pivotal role in the NU offense. The two-time AHA Player of the Week and Player of the Month for November is tied for third in the nation in goals (12), and goals-per game (0.67). His 1.11 points-per game places him 24th in the nation, while his four power-play tallies slates him in the 22nd spot.
He became the first Purple Eagle to net three consecutive 20 point season since Egor Mironov and Chris Moran achieved it during the 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 season, while he is only 12 points away from joining the 100-point club that only 13 Purple Eagles have attained.
In Niagara’s 17-year history, Niagara has had a pair of top-10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award. Paul Zanette earned this distinction after the 2010-11 season, and Joe Tallari was in the final 10 following the 2002-03 campaign.
The Hobey Baker Award is given annually to college hockey’s Most Valuable Player. Award criteria include candidates emulating the exceptional character traits exhibited 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 demonstrate 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.
Finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award are determined by an initial round of balloting by all 58 Division I college coaches; the top 10 names then advance to the award’s selection committee composed of media, NHL scouts, college hockey coaches and supervisors of officials. A fan vote conducted online at hobeybaker.com allows college hockey fans a one-percent vote in each round of balloting.
The top-10 finalists will be unveiled on March 21.
