The Hobey Baker Memorial Award committee is pleased to announce the three Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalists for the 2024 award, honoring the best player in college hockey. In alphabetical order, they are: Jackson Blake, a sophomore forward from the University of North Dakota; Macklin Celebrini, a freshman forward from Boston University; and Cutter Gauthier, a sophomore forward from Boston College. This year’s Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 12, 2024 live on NHL Network beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
The three finalists for this year’s Hobey Baker Award were selected from the initial list of top ten nominees by the 30-member selection committee and in an additional round of online fan voting. Criteria for the award include: demonstrating exceptional skill in all phases of the game; strength of character on and off the ice; sportsmanship; and academic results.
Five of the top ten Hobey Baker finalists will compete in this year’s NCAA Frozen Four National Championship, with three of the four schools represented by one of the top ten Hobey finalists in the tournament.
The three Hat Trick finalists are, in alphabetical order:
Jackson Blake – University of North Dakota – Sophomore, forward, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
UND standout sophomore Jackson Blake recorded 60 points, which marked UND’s highest single-season score since Brock Boeser’s 60 points during the 2015-16 season. Blake’s scoring consistency included eight games with at least three points, contributing to a stretch where he scored in 17 of the final 18 regular season games. Blake joined Zach Parise as the second sophomore in the last 30 years to reach 100 career points at UND. He also shattered the NCHC single-season scoring record with 37 conference points. Remarkably, he led the team in points as a rookie, the first time this had been achieved at UND since 1980.
* Finished the season with 22 goals and 38 assists for 60 points in 40 games
*Drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 4th round (109th overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft
* Named to the NCHC First Team and named NCHC Player of the Year and Forward of the Year.
* Ranks fourth in the NCAA in points (60)
Macklin Celebrini – Boston University – Freshman, Forward, Vancouver, British Columbia
At just 17 years old, Macklin Celebrini stands out as one of the best centers in the country, showcasing a 200-foot all-around game that balances elite playmaking with diligent defensive responsibility. His blend of superior talent, hockey sense, competitive drive and work ethic highlights his commitment to improving, both on and off the ice. In 37 games, Celebrini helped the Terriers reach this year’s Frozen Four and has so far recorded 64 points, including 12 power play goals and 4 game-winning goals, ranking second nationally in goals and tied ranked second nationally in points. His play helped Celebrini lead the Terriers to the 2024 NCAA Frozen Four
* Currently has 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 37 games
* One of the top prospects eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft, ranked No. 1 in NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings of top North American skaters.
* Named Hockey East Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year, and also named to the Hockey East First Team, All Rookie Team, is the Hockey East scoring champ.
* Named Sioux Falls Area MVP and named to the All-Tournament Team
Cutter Gauthier – Boston College – Sophomore, Forward, Scottsdale, Arizona
Cutter Gauthier leads the way nationally, with 37 goals and 64 points (tied for second in the country), demonstrating his talent for decisive moments with ten game winners and his mastery of the power play with 13 goals. Throughout the season, he was a consistent force, scoring the scoresheet in 34 out of 39 games and collecting multiple points in 18 games. His offensive abilities helped Gauthier lead the Eagles to the 2024 NCAA Frozen Four.
* Currently has 37 goals and 27 assists for 64 points in 39 games
*Was selected in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft (fifth overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers, and his rights were traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2024.
* Named to the Hockey East First Team and finalist for Player of the Year
*Is the NCAA scoring leader and NCAA leader in game-winning goals
For more information about the Hobey Baker Memorial Award or to access the Hobey logo, visit hobeybaker.com/media. The website contains additional biographical information, statistics and videos of the finalists. We’re also on social media, so be sure to follow us for exclusive content. You can find us on X: Hobey Baker Prize X Profile and also on Instagram: Hobey Baker Award Instagram profile
The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 12 during a live broadcast on NHL Network and streamed on hobeybaker.com beginning at 6 p.m. ET. Additional national awards will also be announced during the show.
National College Hockey Awards Announcements
NHL Network and streamed at https://www.twitch.tv/hobeybakeraward
Friday, April 12 at 6:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. CT)
Hobey Baker Memorial Award – honoring the best player in college hockey
Mike Richter Award – honoring the best goaltender in college hockey
Hockey Humanitarian Award – honoring the best citizen athlete in college hockey
ACHA All American Teams – East and West, first and second teams
Derek Hines Award – honoring the country’s unsung hero
Tim Taylor Award – honoring the national rookie of the year
