Phanatic Hockey Editor
Pittsburgh, PA -- The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Executive Committee announced Friday that St. Cloud State forward Drew LeBlanc was named the 33nd winner of college hockey's most prestigious individual honor.
Named after a legendary Princeton hockey player who died in World War I, the award recognizes strength of character in players both on and off the ice.
The 23-year-old center, a fifth-year senior, leads the nation with 37 assists in 42 games, and ranks seventh in the country with 50 points. His 13 goals were the lowest ever for a forward since the trophy was awarded in 1981.
Coming off a medical redshirt year due to a broken leg, LeBlanc was named a First Team all-conference in the WCHA this past season and attained a first in the 52-year history of the conference, being named both the Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year and the WCHA Player of the Year.
“There’s a lot of great players to come through here and lay the groundwork for our program,” said LeBlanc upon receiving the award, the first such honor in program history. “To be here representing something they built up is really something special. I’m sure there’s a lot of proud alumni out there and I’m proud to be the one to represent them.”
St. Cloud State reached the Frozen Four, but dropped a 4-1 decision to Quinnipiac on Thursday.
LeBlanc beat out sophomore forward Johnny Gaudreau of Boston College and senior goaltender Eric Hartzell from Quinnipiac University for the honor.
Minnesota-Duluth forward Jack Connolly took home the award in 2012, and with Blake Geoffrion's selection from Wisconsin in 2010, LeBlanc is the third player in the last four seasons to be named best player in the country from the WCHA.
Less than two hours later, the Chicago Blackhawks announced they have agreed to terms with LeBlanc on a one-year contract.
He departs for the pros having recorded 42 goals and 147 points in 171 games with the Huskies.
“This is great for our hockey program and our university but right now it’s all about Drew,” SCSU head coach Bob Motzko said. “My first thoughts have been on Drew and the fact that this validated his decision to come to St. Cloud State. He is one of the best kids I’ve been around in my time in coaching.”
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