College hockey’s top individual prize, the Hobey Baker Award, is now accepting nominations in the first phase of naming the Hobey winner. From now until Jan. 19, 2003, hockey fans may nominate Division I men’s college hockey players.
The initial phase of the Hobey is for the fans — an interactive process where anyone with Internet access can log on to: www.voteforhobey.com and follow the prompts to nominate their choice. Candidates receiving at least 25 nominating votes will become eligible to receive votes in the second phase: Finalist Selection. Hockey fans can follow the results of the nominating progress by checking the website for updates.
Once the nominating phase is completed, college hockey fans will have two more phases to cast their votes in helping to determine this year’s Hobey Baker Award recipient. From Jan. 20, 2003 through March 9, 2003, registered voters may cast ballots (one per day) for their first, second and third choices. Fans will be casting ballots along with the 60 Division I college hockey head coaches to determine the Top Ten Finalists. That list of elite players will be announced on Thursday, March 20.
In the final round of balloting running from March 21, 2003 through March 31, 2003, registered voters can, once per day, cast their ballots ranking the top 10 candidates, one through five. The top selection from the fans will join the ballots from the Selection Committee (comprised of college hockey personnel, pro scouts and media) in determining the 2003 Hobey winner.
The Hobey Hat Trick, the top three finalists, will be announced April 2. The award recipient will be announced in a live telecast from the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament in Buffalo, N.Y. on Friday, April 11, 2003.
The Hobey Baker Award represents more than just the top on-ice performer. Award criteria include strength of character on and off the rink along with scholastic achievements and sportsmanship — qualities that epitomized the award’s namesake.
