Hicksville Native Up For College Hockey's Most Coveted Award

HICKSVILLE, NY — A Hicksville native is up for college hockey's most coveted award: the Hobey Baker Award. Named for World War I veteran Hobey Baker, the award is widely recognized as honoring the best amateur player in the United States. Notable winners include Jack Eichel, Johnny Gaudreau, Ryan Miller, Chris Drury, Brendan Morrison and Paul Kariya, as well as last year's winner Cale Makar.

Voting for the award is underway this year, and one of the names on the ballot is Nick Hutchison, a 24-year-old forward at Canisius College in Buffalo.

In 21 games in the 2019-20 season, Hutchison has netted 14 goals and added nine assists.

Hutchison told the Hicksville News that the nomination was "pretty special." He noted it's the biggest honor that college hockey players can achieve.

"It's nice to be recognized for it, but it only drives me more," he said. "Obviously, I’ve had some pretty good teammates and good guys to look up to. Also, the guys I’m playing with now are all part of the reason I can have success and have had success in the past. "

Hutchison, who stands 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs about 205 pounds, played three years at St. Mary's College Preparatory High School in Manhasset and graduated from a school in Kearney, Nebraska, the Hicksville News reported.

Fans can cast ballots for Hutchison or any other nominee. The names were submitted by the athletic departments of the Division I men's hockey schools. Up to a three players could be submitted from any one school. The first round of voting runs through March 9.

Price WaterhouseCoopers, the famed accounting firm known for tabulating Academy Award votes, will count the ballots to determine the top 10 candidates.

Hobey Baker Award winners demonstrate strength and character both on and off the ice, the organization said. They also contribute to the integrity of the team, display outstanding skills in all phases of the game, and show scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.