March 16, 2006
Go-To Guys: Hobey Baker Finalists

The Hobey Baker Committee announced the 10 finalists for the 2006 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, a group that includes five WCHA players and defending Hobey winner Marty Sertich.

We've listed the 10 finalists in alphabetical order below, along with their vital statistics (entering Thursday's games) and the qualities that will make – or break – their candidacy.

HOBEY BAKER MEMORIAL AWARD FINALISTS
Matt Carle Denver Junior | Defenseman	Statistics: 39 GP, 11-42—53 Why he could win: Having won back-to-back NCAA championships, he's got name recognition (remember that filthy dangle in last year's championship game?) and his offensive totals are the best by a blueliner since Minnesota's Mike Crowley hit the 60-point plateau nearly a decade ago. Why he might not: The Pioneers' early exit from the WCHA postseason leaves their chances of advancing to the NCAA Tournament to defend their title slimmer than Paris Hilton after an hour in the sauna. It also prevents Carle from showcasing his talents on two big stages – the WCHA Final Five and the national tournament.
Chris Collins Boston College Senior | Forward	Statistics: 36 GP, 30-27—57 Why he could win: Collins was dominant in Hockey East, winning the league's scoring title by 11 points over his next closest competitor (linemate Brian Boyle) and finishing 15 points ahead of the next closest non-linemate (fellow Hobey finalist Greg Moore of Maine). He was the driving force behind the Eagles' 10-game unbeaten streak midway through the season. Why he might not: When the Eagles slumped late in the year, so too did Collins. BC squandered a chance at winning the Hockey East title by closing the regular season with a 1-5-1 record – Collins managed just two goals and three assists during that span.
Brian Elliott Wisconsin Junior | Goaltender	Statistics: 22-4-3, 1.68 GAA, .934 sv. pct. Why he could win: Elliott ranks first or second in the country in every major goaltending category, but it's his less publicized numbers that stand out. For example, in 12 starts against ranked opponents, he's 11-0-1 with a 1.24 GAA, a .955 save percentage and three shutouts. Why he might not: It seems like every goaltender-turned-Hobey candidate is dogged by the "he's a product of their system" label, and Elliott is no exception. Plus, he fell off the radar when he was injured and was rusty in his first couple of games back. He's regained his form, though.
Andy Greene Miami Senior | Defenseman	Statistics: 36 GP, 9-20—29 Why he could win: You'd be hard pressed to find a more complete rearguard in the nation – he won the CCHA's Best Offensive Defenseman and Best Defensive Defenseman awards this season, for crying out loud – and his leadership skills are second to none. Greene's in his third season wearing the "C" for the RedHawks. Why he might not: Hobey voters are moved by gaudy numbers, which Greene lacks. As it stands, the intangibles that he brings to the rink every night can't be described on a stat sheet. One has to watch him play to truly appreciate his skill.
Greg Moore Maine Senior | Forward	Statistics: 38 GP, 26-16—42 Why he could win: As a reward for a breakout year. He scored 26 goals this season – in his first three seasons with the Black Bears, he'd never collected more than 23 points. He's arguably the most versatile forward among this year's candidates with great size and good hands, and you'll find him on the ice in just about every situation imaginable. Why he might not: In order to win, Moore will have to find a way to emerge from Collins' shadow in Hockey East. Also, he embodies the blue-collar Maine hockey philosophy to a certain extent – do your job, play hard and the results will follow. As is the case with Greene, it's a hard message to convey to voters.
Scott Parse Nebraska-Omaha Junior | Forward	Statistics: 40 GP, 20-41—61 Why he could win: Well, he leads the nation in scoring. That's gotta count for something – it's a stat the last three Hobey winners all boasted. And he's really been the key to Mike Kemp's efforts to retooling the Mavericks over the past three seasons. Parse has found his niche, playing on a line with sophomores Bryan Marshall and Bill Thomas to form one of the nation's most dangerous trios. Why he might not: For a guy who rang up 61 points in 40 games, he's not a flashy scorer and he hasn't had much exposure. Not playing in this week's CCHA Tournament and UNO's iffy NCAA prospects don't help.
Ryan Potulny Minnesota Junior | Forward	Statistics: 38 GP, 34-24—58 Why he could win: As the nation's leading goal scorer playing for college hockey's version of America's Team, name recognition isn't an issue. Much like his team, Potulny's game appears to be peaking at the right time, too. He's got 24 points in the Gophers' last 12 games. Why he might not: The best player in the nation? Some think he may not be the best player on his team, favoring Danny Irmen or Phil Kessel instead. And while he has the requisite gaudy statistics, it should be noted that he's scored nearly half of his goals (16) and just over 40% of his points (25) against the WCHA's three worst teams – Alaska Anchorage, Minnesota Duluth and Michigan Tech.
Marty Sertich Colorado College Senior | Forward	Statistics: 41 GP, 14-34—48 Why he could win: He won last year and though his statistics were down slightly from his junior totals, he still performed admirably with that giant "I won the Hobey" target on his back. Why he might not: He won last year and his statistics are down from his junior totals. There's a reason no one's won the Hobey two years in a row, folks – it's not just good enough to replicate the season you had when you first won the award. You have to exceed that standard. Again, Sertich has had an fine season, but not a Hobey-caliber one.
Brett Sterling Colorado College Senior | Forward	Statistics: 40 GP, 31-23—54 Why he could win: The 5-foot-8 pepperpot continues to score goals in bunches – 31 of ‘em this season, to be exact – and 100 for his career. And he scores 'em when they count the most, too, as evidenced by his eight game-winning goals on the year. Why he might not: Sterling could score 50 goals and there would be detractors who feel his game is too one-dimensional and too many of his goals come on the power play (17 of 31). He suffered through a horrific (for him) seven-game goal drought in January and February, and just 10 of his 31 goals came after Christmas.
T.J. Trevelyan St. Lawrence Senior | Forward	Statistics: 40 GP, 20-28—48 Why he could win: A balanced scorer, Trevelyan was one of only five ECACHL skaters to crack the 20-goal plateau this season and only two league players surpassed his total of 28 assists. As consistent as any player in the league, he recorded a point in 29 of the Saints' 40 games this season. Why he might not: He's tucked away way up there in North Country, and he's not displaying his wares at the ECACHL Tournament in Albany this weekend. Compared to the rest of the ECACHL, his numbers are terrific. Compared to the rest of the Hobey field, they're merely O.K.

Finalists are determined by vote of the nation's head coaches, who select the top three players in their conference and the top three players in the nation. Online fan voting also contributes to the determination. A selection committee votes on the winner of the award from among the 10 finalists.

The top three finalists will be announced as the Hobey Hat Trick on March 29. The 2006 Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced April 7 in Milwaukee, Wis., the day before the championship game at the NCAA Frozen Four. The ceremony will take place at the Bradley Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT. The ceremony precedes the announcement of the Hockey Humanitarian Award winner and the inaugural NCAA Frozen Four Skills Challenge.