The Hobey Baker Award-winning year for Drew LeBlanc was an amazing one. Following a horrific broken leg injury during the prior season, LeBlanc returned for a fifth season to captain the Huskies. The masterful playmaking center from Hermantown, Minnesota, had an outstanding season, leading the nation with 37 assists in 42 games while contributing 13 goals for 50 total points (seventh in the nation). His creative playmaking skills while on offense were matched by his diligent efforts in his own defensive zone, helping St. Cloud State earn their first WCHA regular season title and their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four championship. LeBlanc’s magical season helped him attain a first in the 52-year history of the WCHA by being named both the Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year and the WCHA Player of the Year. He took on an added academic load to complete his math education degree by student teaching all season, and was active in community outreach programs, assisting new students on campus, and helping out at local hockey clinics. A pro hockey free agent, LeBlanc signed with the Chicago Blackhawks and spent two seasons with Rockford of the AHL and is playing this season with Augsburg in Germany.

Back to back 21 goal seasons is a fantastic way to start your college career, and so is posting 95 total points. The smallish scoring dynamo, Johnny Gaudreau (pronounced GOO-dreau), proved he can make plays as well as score goals by leading Hockey East in both points and assists. He completed his season tied for fourth in the nation in scoring while tied for eighth in both goals and assists. Gaudreau recorded 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points in 35 games. He also contributed four power play goals and he was tied for second in the nation with his six game winning goals. His scoring exploits saw him average 1.46 points per game, topping everyone in the nation. Gaudreau was duly honored, heralded as a First Team all-star in Hockey East and was named their Player of the Year. A Communications major, Gaudreau joins in volunteering with a variety of team functions as well as visiting Children’s Hospital, elementary schools and assisting race-day for a 5K fundraiser. He was a draft choice of Calgary (4th round) and missed two games this past season to play for the U.S. World Junior Team, earning a gold medal while leading the IIHF tournament with seven goals.

There is a reason why Quinnipiac made their first ever trip to the NCAA Frozen Four. They were firmly anchored in net by their outstanding goalie Eric Hartzell. The Bobcats were ranked number one entering the national tournament but lost in the championship game to Yale. Quinnipiac’s overall team defense was a remarkable 1.67, one of only two schools in the country under 2.00. Hartzell was a work-horse and led the nation in minutes played. In 42 games, Hartzell had a 1.57 goals against average (3rd in the nation) and a .933 saves percentage (8th in the nation). His overall record in 42 games was 30-7-5, good enough for the second best win percentage in the country while posting the most wins. While leading all ECAC goalies in conference play, the league acknowledged him as a First Team all-star, Player of the Year and Goalie of the Year. Incredibly, he allowed two goals or less in 35 games and at one point, posted a 21-game unbeaten streak. Hartzell, a pro hockey free agent, signed with the Pittsburgh Penquins. A Marketing major, Hartzell is an active volunteer visiting elementary schools, assisting at hockey clinics and a participant in the team’s St. Baldrick’s annual fundraiser.

An outstanding playmaking center iceman, Compher (COME-fer) leads the nation in assists and is second in scoring. As captain of the Wolverines, he is known as a solid two-way player and a great leader. A First Team all-conference selection in the Big Ten, Compher had an 18-game point streak earlier in the season and his plus-minus of +35 is fourth in the nation.

Had 16 goals, 47 assists for 63 points in 38 games – had 3 goals, 8 assists in 4 playoff games – had 19 multiple-point games
Buffalo draft pick (2nd round – rights traded to Colorado) – Business major
Led “Grow Blue” team initiative to raise awareness for men’s health issues

After playing nine games as a freshman and just one last year due to injury, Chubak rebounded with a fantastic year. He led the ­Atlantic Hockey Association in virtually all goalie statistics and was named First Team all-conference and tabbed Player of the Year. He played in 35 of the Purple Eagles 38 games and tied for the national lead with six shutouts, including a run of three straight, during an eight game stretch where he allowed just 3 goals accompanied by 5 shutouts. • His record was 23-7-5 overall with a 1.91 goals against average, for seventh in the ­nation • His .939 save percentage was fourth in the nation, AHA Goalie of the Week seven times • Is a Sport Management major, helps a local youth hockey team several days a month.

This has been a highly memorable season for the RedHawks ­second year player. On campus, Czarnik was named CCHA First Team all-star and Player of the Year while being a finalist for Best Defensive Forward. He led the nation with four short-handed goals. Czarnik represented the U.S. and won a gold medal at the World Junior Championships. • Had 14 goals, 26 assists for 40 points in 42 games, finished fourth in CCHA scoring • Mentors a youth hockey team and helps instruct very young kids in ­hockey • Sport Studies major, had 13 multiple point games this year.

Motte joined linemates Compher and Connor as the only line to ever become Hobey top ten finalists, giving Michigan the most potent line in college hockey. Motte currently sits second in the nation in goal scoring and third in points. A Big Ten First Team all-conference recipient, he had an 18-game point streak and 12-game goal scoring streak earlier in the season.

Had 32 goals, 24 assists for 56 points in 38 games – had 17 multiple-point games
Chicago draft pick (4th round) – scored 18 goals in 69 games during first two seasons
Sport Management major – helped build a home for Habitat For Humanity

The assistant captain was the top vote getter in the Vote for Hobey fan ballot and at one point this season, had a 19-game point streak, the longest North Dakota streak in 25 years. He ­finished the season tied for third in the nation in assists with 33 and was named to the WCHA Second all-star team. Knight was ­dynamite on face-offs averaging over 58% the past three seasons. • Had 16 goals, 33 assists for 49 points in 41 games, eighth in the nation in scoring • Recorded points in 29 games, second most in nation, Florida draft pick (5th round) • Physical Education, Exercise Science & Wellness major, active volunteer with multiple organizations.

With linemate Corban Knight setting him up, Kristo was the ­finisher with 26 goals to rank tied for second in the nation in goal scoring, giving North Dakota a powerful one-two punch. An assistant captain, Kristo was named First Team WCHA, finishing second in the conference in goals and points. Kristo leads all ­active Division I college players in career points with 161. • Had 26 goals, 26 assists for 52 points in 40 games, tied second in the nation in scoring • Recreation and Tourism Studies major and is very active in community volunteering • Montreal draft pick (2nd round), had 14 multiple point games.

The WCHA scoring champion was near the top of the nation in scoring most of the season. He was named First Team WCHA for his efforts and completed his season a +26, ranking him amongst the best in the nation in plus-minus. Equally adept at scoring and playmaking, Walters finished tied for fifth in the ­nation in goals (22), eighth in assists (30) and tied for second in the nation in points. • Finished season with 22 goals, 30 assists for 52 points in 39 games, 5 power play goals • Business major and WCHA Scholar Athlete, volunteered visiting Children’s Hospital • Had 40 points in 28 WCHA games to lead conference, had points in 28 of last 32 games.