The nominees for the 2021 Hobey Baker Memorial Award have been announced.

The award recognizes the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player in the nation. Nominations were given by the athletic departments from Division I schools.

Of the 60-plus players nominated, 20 are alumni that previously played in the NAHL before moving onto play in NCAA Division I hockey.

The annual fan ballot contribution to help determine the winner of the 2021 Hobey Baker Award is also now available online.

Fans can cast their vote HERE.

*When voting for the Hobey Baker Award, please make sure to keep in mind the qualities that a nominee must display: Exhibit strength and character, both on and off the ice; Contribute to the integrity of the team; Display outstanding skills in all phases of the game; Show scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.

Here are NAHL alumni that are up for the award (alphabetical):
Matt Barry, Miami (Bismarck Bobcats, 2016-17)
Jonathan Bendorf, Mercyhurst (Aberdeen/Philadelphia/Wichita Falls, 2016-19)
Colin Bilek, Army (Northeast Generals, 2016-18)
Trenton Bliss, Michigan Tech (Coulee Region Chill, 2016-17)
Cade Borchardt, Minnesota State (Brookings Blizzard, 2016-17)
Carson Briere, Mercyhurst (Johnstown Tomahawks, 2018-19)
Tyrone Bronte, Alabama-Huntsville (WBS Knights, 2017-20)
Ashton Calder, Lake Superior State (Minnesota Wilderness, 2015-17)
Zach Driscoll, Bemidji State (Austin Bruins, 2014-15)
Nick Jenny, Robert Morris (Aberdeen Wings, 2016-17)
Brennan Kapcheck, AIC (Aston Rebels, 2015-17)
Cole Koepke, Minnesota-Duluth (Minnesota Wilderness, 2015-16)
Brandon Kruse, Bowling Green (Brookings Blizzard, 2016-17)
Jack LaFontaine, Minnesota (Janesville Jets, 2015-16)
Dryden McKay, Minnesota State (Corpus Christi/Springfield, 2014-16) – pictured
Mareks Mitens, Lake Superior State (Aston Rebels, 2016-17)
Jakov Novak, Bentley (Janesville Jets, 2016-18)
Ludvig Persson, Miami (Lone Star Brahmas, 2019-20)
Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup, Maine (Coulee Region Chill, 2016-17)
Nathan Smith, Minnesota State (Aberdeen Wings, 2016-17)
Zach Solow, Northeastern (Janesville Jets, 2015-16)

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In addition, the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) has announced a “watch list” of 35 goalies who will compete for the 2021 Mike Richter Award, given annually to the top goalie in men’s NCAA Division I hockey since 2014.

Of the 35 goalies nominated, 17 are alumni that previously played in the NAHL before moving onto play in NCAA Division I hockey.

A committee of voters — made up of a cross section of coaches, administrators, scouts and media — will pare this list down to approximately 15 names within the next two weeks and then ultimately choose the winner who will be announced in April during the NCAA Frozen Four.

Here are 17 NAHL alumni that are up for the award (alphabetical):
Michael Corson, Niagara (Springfield Jr. Blues, 2017-18)
Eric Dop, Bowling Green (Minot Minotauros, 2015-16)
Zach Driscoll, Bemidji State (Austin Bruins, 2014-15)
Ryan Fanti, Minnesota Duluth (Minnesota Wilderness, 2017-19)
Erik Gordon, Holy Cross (Fairbanks/Lone Star, 2016-17)
Nicholas Grabko, Bentley (Minot Minotauros, 2018-19)
Jake Kucharski, AIC (Austin Bruins, 2016-17)
Matt Ladd, Canisius (New Jersey Titans, 2017-19)
Jack LaFontaine, Minnesota (Janesville Jets, 2015-16)
Dryden McKay, Minnesota State (Corpus Christi/Springfield, 2014-16)
Mareks Mitens, Lake Superior State (Aston Rebels, 2016-17)
Tommy Nappier, Ohio State (Springfield Jr. Blues, 2015-16)
Ludvig Persson, Miami (Lone Star Brahmas, 2019-20)
Isaiah Saville, Nebraska-Omaha (Minnesota Magicians, 2017-18)
Tomas Vomacka, UConn (Corpus Christi IceRays, 2016-17)
Henry Welsch, UMass-Lowell (Aberdeen Wings, 2019-20)
Noah West, Robert Morris (Jamestown Rebels, 2018-20)

Photo/Minnesota State Athletics

(Feb. 10, 2021)