The Hobey Baker Award is a yearly award which recognizes the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player in the United States.

Fifty-eight college coaches from different schools vote for the top ten players in the nation, who then face another round of voting to determine the top single player.

This season, three Laker sophomores have earned a spot on the voting ballot for the 2013 Hobey Baker Award: Ryan Misiak, Chris Bodo and Daniel Bahntge.

Misiak notched a goal and an assist in the Lakers game this past Saturday, Jan. 19, against the University of Connecticut, making it his sixth game this season in which he recorded multiple points. The victory puts the Lakers at a solid record of 11-9-1 overall.

“First off, it’s just an honor to be acknowledged along with all of the phenomenal players on the list, including two other Laker teammates,” said Misiak. “I could not be more humbled by the nomination.”

Misiak is determined to continue working hard for his team.

“Hockey is a team game and I have the privilege to play with great players,” said Misiak. “I do believe I can beat the marks I put up last year, and would be proud to do so, but all that matters is I do whatever I can to help our team win.”

Bahntge was also nominated for a spot on the 2013 Hobey Baker Award ballot.

Bahntge has 14 points this season, tied for third on the team. Bahntge recorded the second hat trick of his career against American International back on Saturday, Dec. 8.

“After my first collegiate hat trick, I figured it was a one-and-done kind of thing,” Bahntge said. “The first time was definitely an exciting accomplishment, but not something you think will be repeated. It felt just as exciting as the first time.”

Bahntge is ecstatic about being nomination for Hobey Baker Award.

“The thought that I have been nominated for this year’s Hobey Baker Award is something surreal to me. Being on this year’s ballot is really an honor and a privilege. I am thankful, and I feel more than blessed to be among the few chosen for such a prestigious award,” Bahntge said. “The Hobey Baker Award is one the greatest collegiate athletic awards that every hockey player knows about while growing up. It is great that Bodo, Misiak and myself are able to represent Mercyhurst University on such a national level,” Bahntge said.

Bodo is also happy to be considered for the 2013 Hobey Baker Award.

“It’s a great award that will eventually be given to a great player,” said Bodo. “For Misiak, Bahntge, and myself to be recognized around the league and nominated for this award is an awesome feeling.”

Bodo leads the Lakers in goals this season with 10.

“I have gotten a lot of great passes from my teammates, which has allowed me to score as much as I have been,” Bodo said.
Additionally, Bodo is tied for the most power play goals in the nation this season.

“To be tied for the most power play goals in the nation is a big accomplishment for myself, and it feels good being at the top of a nationwide list. I wouldn’t be tied for this if it weren’t for my line mates on the power play that have given me backdoor passes all year long,” said Bodo. “It is easy when I have good players to play with that can see the ice well and that can find me at the backdoor.”

The first phase of voting for the 2013 Hobey Baker Award will run through Sunday, March 10, and interested voters can make their selection on the Hobey Baker website.