Aston-Reese, Butcher and Vecchione named Hobey Baker finalists

The three finalists were selected from the initial list of Top Ten candidates by the 27-member Selection Committee and an additional round of online fan balloting to determine this year’s Hobey Baker winner. Criteria for the award includes: displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, strength of character on and off the ice, sportsmanship and scholastic achievements.

This year’s Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 7, 2017 from the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago, Ill. during the NCAA Frozen Four. The 37th annual announcement will be televised live on the NHL Network at 6 p.m. ET, and at the Hobey website, www.hobeybaker.com. Here is more on this year’s three finalists:

ZACH ASTON-REESE
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
SENIOR, FORWARD, STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK

Whether its special teams play or five-on-five, Aston-Reese has been a consistent and dominant performer this season. The Hockey East Player of the Year and First Team all-conference sniper is part of a three-way tie for most points in the nation while topping all skaters in the country with 31 goals. The assistant captain for the Huskies recently signed a pro contract and is skating with Wilkes-Barre in the AHL.

• Finished with 31 goals, 32 assists for 63 points in 38 games – had 19 multiple point games – tied for first in nation averaging 1.66 points per game - Graphic Design major
• His 13 power play goals are tied third in nation and 4 short-handed goals are tied second 
• Works with elementary schools in Boston area by reading to classes

WILL BUTCHER
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
SENIOR, DEFENSE, SUN PRAIRIE, WISCONSIN

The NCHC Player of the Year becomes the first defenseman since Hobey winner Matt Gilroy (2009) to become a hat trick finalist. Butcher is a complete player, equally efficient at both ends of the ice. His 36 points places him second in the nation in points by a defenseman, while his plus/minus of +25 is ninth overall in the nation. His outstanding season garnered honors as Offensive Defenseman of the Year in the NCHC and First Team all-conference for the second straight year.

• Has 7 goals, 29 assists for 36 points in 41 games – Colorado draft (5th round)
• As captain of the Pioneers, Denver were regular season champs; are ranked #1 nationally
• Business major – Hockey Saves volunteer assisting military personal playing hockey

MIKE VECCHIONE
UNION COLLEGE
SENIOR, FORWARD, SAUGUS, MASSACHUSETTS

Sitting tied at the top of the nation in scoring with his fellow hat trick finalist, Vecchione (VECK-ee-oh-nee) is the ECAC Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Best Defensive Forward, proving his value as a 200 foot player. Also named First Team all-conference, he was second in the nation in goal scoring and tied for second with four short-handed goals. He culminated his Dutchmen career as the program’s all time points and assist leader.

• Finished with 29 goals, 34 assists for 63 points in 38 games – won 61.8% of faceoffs, 4th in nation – led nation with 21 multiple point games and 7 game-winning goals
• Points per game average of 1.66 is tied for first in the nation – History major
• Active in many events; spearheaded effort to serve Thanksgiving meals at local YMCA

The Hobey Baker Award announcement, at the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier is a free event and open to the public. Festivities will begin at 3:30 p.m. CT with an autograph signing featuring the two teams in the national championship game. At 4:10 p.m., the Hockey Humanitarian Award presentation will take place followed by the Hockey Coaches Association announcement of their All American teams and other national awards. The Hobey Baker Award announcement will begin at 5 p.m. CT.