Boston University's Jack Eichel wins Hobey Baker Award
Boston University's Jack Eichel won the Hobey Baker Award Friday, which is given annually to the best all-around player in collegiate hockey.
Eichel, 18, said he was honored to win the award, and that he had dreamt of winning the Baker Award his entire life. He's just the second freshman to win the award, following Paul Kariya in 1993.
“It was really nice to hear my name,” Eichel told the Boston Globe. “My mom and dad were sitting in the front row. I got choked up for a minute talking, just because I looked down and saw my mom and she was crying. It choked me up for a minute just because of how important my parents are and everything they’ve done for me. I can’t say enough good things about them.”
• Frozen Four championship game preview: Providence vs. BU
Eichel, the MVP of the Hockey East conference tournament and the league's scoring leader, is the projected No. 2 overall selection in June’s NHL draft, according to the Boston Globe.
In Thursday's Frozen Four game against North Dakota, Eichel scored two goals and logged an assist during Boston University's 5-3 win.
BU will play Providence for the NCAA men's hockey championship on Saturday in Boston.
- Will Green