Four graduates of the Ontario Junior Hockey League are up for the biggest individual prize in U.S. college hockey, the Hobey Baker Award:
- Gianfranco Cassaro (Toronto Jr. Canadiens), RIT
- Jack Ricketts (Oakville Blades), Holy Cross
- Harrison Israels (Oakville Blades), Alaska
- Riley St. Onge (Markham Royals, Hamilton Red Wings), Mercyhurst
Presented annually to college hockey’s top player, the Hobey Baker Award opened fan voting for 2024 on Friday, Jan. 26.
Fans can cast their vote by visiting https://www.hobeybaker.com/vote and viewing all 84 college hockey players, representing 64 NCAA Division I schools, up for the award. Information on each candidate can be found at https://hobeybaker.com/2024-nominees/.
The first phase of fan balloting runs through Sunday, March 10. Phase 2 of fan runs from March 20- 31, after the Top Ten Hobey Baker finalists are announced on March 20.
The fan vote accounts for a percentage of the total ballot in each phase in selecting this year’s award recipient.
Each school is allowed to nominate up to three players for the award, while a committee ultimately votes on and selects the Hobey Baker Award finalists and winner.
Award criteria includes candidates exhibiting the exceptional character traits shown by the award’s namesake, Hobey Baker. A legendary American hero, Baker was a First World War fighter pilot and was known as America’s greatest amateur athlete in 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, as well.
The 2024 Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 12, 2024 during the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four in St. Paul, Minn. The award ceremony will be broadcast nationally on NHL Network and streamed live at hobeybaker.com.
