2003 Hobey Baker Hat Trick Announced
April 3, 2003
Now it is down to three. The Hobey Baker Award Committee announced its Hobey Hat Trick for the 2003 award. Determined by the 25-member Selection Committee and fan vote, in alphabetical order the final three candidates include:
Chris Kunitz
Ferris State University
Senior - Forward
Regina, Saskatchewan
Fresh off the best season in the 25-year history of Ferris State hockey, the Bulldogs were led to a first place CCHA finish and 31wins by Chris Kunitz. The assistant captain put up huge numbers averaging almost two points per game by scoring 35 goals, 44 assists and 79 total points in 42 games. He is currently second in the nation in points and goals and third in assists. For the second straight season, Chris is a 1st Team CCHA All Star and was named the circuit's Player of the Year. Doubling his point total from a year ago due to 20 multiple-point games, Kunitz, a marketing major, just signed as a free agent with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. (KOO-nitts)
Dave LeNeveu
Cornell University
Sophomore - Goalie
Fernie, British Columbia
By posting the best goals against average in college hockey history, LeNeveu is the only Hobey finalist to make the Frozen Four field in Buffalo. He'll enter the tourney with a brilliant 1.14 GAA, a saves percentage of .942, a winning percentage of .919 and 9 shutouts all four of these marks lead the nation. His record of 28-2-1 helped Cornell to the ECAC regular season and playoff titles. A 1st Team ECAC All Star as well as being named Co-Player of the Year, LeNeveu was the lone NCAA player on the Canadian World Junior team. His current goals against average is a full one goal a game better than the second best goalie in college hockey. Many of the team records Dave established have surpassed those of legendary Big Red goalie Ken Dryden. Majoring in Applied Economics and Management, he was a second round, 2002 draft pick of the Phoenix Coyotes. (le-NEV-u)
Peter Sejna
Colorado College
Junior - Forward
Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia
The nation's leader in points and goals is only the second Hobey candidate from Europe. His consistency was amplified by the fact he recorded points in all but one game. In 42 contests, the Tiger sniper bagged 36 goals, 46 assists and 82 total points. His 15 power play goals ranks third in the nation and his eight game winners are tied for second. The WCHA Player of the Year helped CC to its first regular season title since 1996. Peter recorded 27 multiple point games en route to the top of the college hockey scoring list. A Mathematical Economics major, Peter is an NHL free agent. (SAY-nuh)
The Hobey Baker Award recipient will be announced on Friday, April 11, 2003 from the Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom in Buffalo, NY, during the NCAA Frozen Four weekend. The announcement will be carried live on Fox Sports Net beginning at 2:30 pm ET please check your local listings.
The annual Hobey Baker Award banquet will take place on Friday, April 25 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. This year's Hobey recipient will be honored along with this year's Legend of Hockey.
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