BC's Greg Brown was named the conference's Coach of the Year after the Eagles (29-5-1, 20-3-1) clinched their 18th regular season championship and BC's 20-0 win Since then, they have become the first team to win 20 games in conference play. They won 27 games in 2010-11, the most since Maine won 22 games in 1992-93.
Hours later, Celebrini was named one of 10 nominees for the Hobey Baker Award as the nation's top player. Other finalists with local ties include teammate defenseman Lane Hutson, B.C. forward Cutter Gauthier and Lexington's Will Smith, Holy Cross forward Liam Malinsky and Lincoln native Quinnipiac forward Colin Graf was included.
Celebrini, the youngest player in college hockey at 17 years old, ranks second in the nation in goals (30), third in points (55) and shots (158), and fourth in power play goals (11). He leads all rookies in goals, shots and power-play goals, and is tied for eighth in three-game wins. His 30 goals are the most by a BU player since Chris Drury scored 38 goals in the 1996-97 season.
Chebrini's 44 league points are the fifth most by a freshman and the most since Eichel's 44 points in the 2014-15 season. Only Eichel and Kariya scored at a higher rate than Celebrini's 1.91 points per game during his freshman season. Eichel and Kariya both won the Hobey Baker Award as freshmen.
Gauthier's 32 points led the nation, and his 52 points ranked fifth. He is the first BC player to reach 30 goals since Hobey Baker Award winner Johnny Gaudreau in 2013-14.
Hutson and Graf made the list for the second consecutive season. Hutson is tied for first among defensemen in scoring with 44 points (12 goals, 32 assists). He also ranks third in goals scored by a defensive player.
Graf had 22 goals and 26 assists for the defending national champion Bobcats. He scored 48 points in 31 games, ranking sixth in points per game.
McClinsky led the Crusaders to second place with 47 points (19 goals, 28 assists) and was named Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year.
Smith led the nation with 18 goals and 40 assists for 58 points. Drafted fourth overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2023, he scored in 31 of 35 games and had an 18-game point streak.
Hobey Baker's list also includes North Dakota State forward Jackson Blake, Denver forward Jack Devine, Wisconsin goalie Kyle McClellan and Minnesota State forward Sam Morton. .
The Hobey Baker field will be narrowed to three finalists on April 4th and the winner will be announced on Friday, April 12th during Frozen Four weekend in St. Paul.
Follow Andrew Mahoney @GrobeMahoney.
