Harvard’s Ryan Donato, Northeastern’s Adam Gaudette named Hobey Baker finalists
The list of Hobey Baker finalists has been trimmed to three, and two have Boston connections.
Harvard’s Ryan Donato and Northeastern’s Adam Gaudette joined Denver’s Henrik Borgstrom as finalists. All three have already signed NHL contracts.
Gaudette led the nation in scoring with 30 goals and 30 assists in 38 games as a junior, averaging 1.58 points per game. He was named national player of the month in both January and February, as well as the Hockey East Player of the Year. A Braintree native, Gaudette scored a hat trick in the championship game of the Beanpot to lead the Huskies to their first title in 30 years. The MVP for the Beanpot signed with the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday.
“We’re very proud of Adam for putting himself in a position to win college hockey’s highest individual honor,’’ said Northeastern coach Jim Madigan. “He has been one of the top players in the NCAA for the last two seasons, which is a testament to the level of work that he puts into his game daily both on and off the ice. It was a privilege to have him as a member of our team for the last three seasons. His work ethic and determination have certainly rubbed off on his teammates, which will positively impact our program well into the future.’’
Donato had 26 goals in 29 games in his junior season for Harvard. When he wasn’t busy scoring for the Crimson, he also skated for Team USA at the 2018 Olympics, where he led the team with five goals and an assist. He finished the year with the Crimson with 43 points and was named ECAC Player of the Year.
After Harvard’s season ended, he signed with the Bruins and has made an immediate impact, scoring three goals and adding two assists in five games.
Borgstrom finished his sophomore season with 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 points in 40 games. He was named the NCHC Player of the Year after leading the conference in scoring. Upon conclusion of the Pioneers’ season, he signed with the Florida Panthers.
The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 6 at 6 p.m. during the Frozen Four.
