MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Three Upper Peninsula hockey players have been nominated for the top award in college hockey.
AJ Vanderbeck and Andre Ghantous from Northern Michigan University were nominated alongside Blake Pietila of Michigan Tech. Pietila has been nominated for the award the past three seasons.
All three are seniors who have had a significant impacts on their respective teams success, both on and off the ice. (story continues below)
The athletes are among 80 college hockey players representing 43 NCAA Division I programs from around the country.
Award criteria include candidates exhibiting the exceptional character traits of the award’s namesake, Hobey Baker. A legendary American hero, Baker was a WWI fighter pilot and was known as America’s greatest amateur athlete of his day, excelling at hockey and football at Princeton University.
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.
Fan voting for the award is open right now until Sunday, March 3. Click here to vote.