Miami senior forward Andy Miele became the first RedHawks player to win the Hobey Baker Award, announced Friday at the Xcel Energy Center, site of the 2011 Frozen Four.
Miele, the CCHA’s player of the year, leads the nation in points (71) and assists (40). He was named CCHA player of the year, as well as a first-team All-American. Miele led the RedHawks to the CCHA playoff title and was named MVP of the CCHA tournament.
“I’m so honored to accept the Hobey Baker Award on behalf of myself and Miami University,” Miele said. “It shows how much [Miami] can develop players. They have great coaches and a great program.”
Boston College’s Cam Atkinson and North Dakota’s Matt Frattin rounded out this year’s “Hobey Hat Trick.”
After winning the award, Miele talked about a season of firsts for Miami. “[Winning the Hobey] is huge for the program,” he said. “It’s another first this year, along with winning CCHA championship. Hopefully, they can win a national championship in the next few years.”
The award capped a four-year career with the RedHawks that saw Miele rack up 160 points in 141 games.
“I always wanted to be the best that I can be; whether that’s being the best player in college hockey or not, I just try to be the best I can be,” he said.
The Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., native recently signed an entry-level contact with the Phoenix Coyotes.
“It’s been a great experience so far,” he said. “It’s a great group of coaches and players, and I’m pretty excited.”
Video:
Andy Miele on what it means to be “the best:”
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4B_cgbM6rU
Cam Atkinson on his transition to the pro game:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsInAXnDpO0
Matt Frattin on his day as part of the Hobey Hat Trick:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph3Jrn0LvdM
The crowd reacts:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmwmJSV6Wk0
