The top 10 finalists have been announced for the 2015 Hobey Baker Award. Among the 10 candidates are Minnesota natives Zane McIntyre and Mike Reilly continuing a steak of 15 consecutive years with at least one finalist from the State of Hockey.

The Hobey Baker Award is college hockey’s most prestigious award and is annually presented to the top men’s college hockey player.  Award winners are characterized by outstanding skill and achievement on the ice as well as tremendous integrity and character off of it. Since its inception in 1981, there have been nine Hobey Baker Award winners from Minnesota, more than any other state in the US.

One of those previous winners is Duluth native Robb Stauber, who is one of only two goalies to win the award.  That hasn’t stopped goalies from being named finalists though as McIntyre’s selection marks the third season in a row a Minnesota born netminder has been named a top 10 finalist. 

Playing in every game this season, McIntyre has been the anchor for a North Dakota (UND) team that has spent much of the second half of the season at the top of college hockey polls. McIntyre entered the NCHC Frozen Faceoff with a remarkable 27-7-3 record, 1.97 goals against average and a school-record tying .932 save percentage, which earned him honors as an All-NCHC First Team selection and the NCHC Goaltender of the Year.

"I certainly believed it was possible for him, knowing the potential he has from a physical standpoint and knowing the work he puts in as well," UND goalie coach Karl Goehring told the Grand Forks Herald. "I'm not surprised to see him perform the way he has this year."

McIntyre’s dedication to his craft has been paying off as he’s watched his statistics improve with each season at UND, and he’s now the all-time leader in career save percentage (.924) and tied for third all-time with a 2.15 goals against average. In addition, McIntyre has devoted significant time to the community serving Special Olympics, a local youth hockey association and multiple elementary schools including in his hometown of Thief River Falls.

Mike Reilly has also had a historical season, becoming the first defenseman since Mike Crowley in 1996-97 to lead the Gophers in scoring. With 42 points, Reilly leads all NCAA Men’s Division I defensemen in scoring and his 36 assists rank third among all players.  The Big Ten named Reilly the Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten for the second consecutive season.

“This is a terrific honor for Mike and a testament to his hard work and dedication,” Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. “Mike has developed into an elite hockey player, and he is a great representative for the University of Minnesota.  As a student-athlete, he works just as hard off the ice as he does on it, and he certainly deserves to be recognized as one of the best college hockey players in the nation this year.”  

The Chanhassen native has been particularly great on the power play, racking up an NCAA leading 19 power play assists and helping Minnesota score on an NCAA best 28.2% of their power play opportunities.

“I want to thank the coaches and fans that voted this year and included me as a finalist among a great field of candidates, and I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me and the team throughout the season,” said Mike Reilly, who is one of only two defensemen this year to be named Hobey Baker finalists. “This is a real honor, and I certainly appreciate it.”

This year’s other Hobey Baker finalists include Jack Eichel (Boston University), Daniel Ciampini (Union), Matt Garbowsky (RIT), Zach Hyman (Michigan), Tanner Kero (Michigan Tech), Joey LaLeggia (Denver), Jimmy Vesey (Harvard) and Cody Wydo (Robert Morris).