On Wednesday evening, the Hobey Baker committee trimmed their finalists from ten to three. Three goal scorers highlight the filed of this year’s “Hobey Hat Trick”, the finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, "The Heisman Trophy of College Hockey." The 2007-08 “Hobey Hat Trick” features Nathan Gerbe of Boston College, Ryan Jones of Miami and Kevin Porter of Michigan, all forwards. So who will be given the Hobey Baker award in Denver on April 11? Here are the participants’ resumes.

Nathan Gerbe - Junior, Boston College

With seven goals and seven assists in his last seven games, Gerbe solidified his position in the “Hobey Hat Trick.” Last season some people started to see improvement in Gerbe’s game as he went from 11 goals in 2005-06 to 25 the next season. With 30 goals now, people are wondering, if he does come back for a senior season, what he will do for an encore?

Gerbe isn’t just scoring goals however. His 30 assists are second most on the team and his 60 points are second in the nation. He might not be the biggest guy at 5' 5", but Gerbe has proven his toughness with 65 penalty minutes this year. The player everyone keys on, Gerbe can throw his weight around with anyone on the ice.
Gerbe’s resume is good, however, he will have to wait till next year to earn his Hobey.

Ryan Jones - Senior, Miami

The great duo of Nathan Davis and Ryan Jones in 2006-07 was one of the most lethal combinations in the country. This year with Davis out for most of the year, Jones had to take his game to the next level, which he did with 31 goals, which is second in the nation. Jones’ game tying goal in last weekend’s Northeast Regional was a good resume builder, which led him to the Hobey finals. Other significant highlights of this season include a four goal game against Northern Michigan and a hat trick against the University of Alaska.

However, where Jones’ resume falls short is in the assists department. His 18 helpers were seventh on the team, which could damage his hopes. Another factor is that, of the three players in the Hobey race, Jones had 83 penalty minutes, the most of any finalist (and on Miami) and 13th most in the country.

Kevin Porter - Senior, Michigan

Of the three on the list, Kevin Porter has everything going for him as compared to the other two competitors. After a great showing in 2006-07 with 58 points (24G, 34A), Porter came back for his senior season. The leader of Michigan has proven all year that he is indeed the best player in the country. Porter’s five goal outburst in the East Regional probably sealed the deal for the Hobey Baker candidate.

Some more interesting facts on his resume are that Porter had two or more goals six times and his 15 power play goals are second in the country behind Matt Smith of RIT. Porter’s rating of +33 might also be a factor in him becoming the Hobey Baker winner. Expect Porter to take home this great piece of hardware awarded to the best player in college hockey.

And finally, let’s salute Eddie “Jerry” Jeremiah as this year’s Hobey Baker Legend Award winner for 2008. Jeremiah coached the Dartmouth Big Green from 1937-38 to 1966-67. In those 29 years, Jeremiah appeared in the first two Frozen Fours, guiding his team to the national championship game both times. On top of that, Jeremiah won Ivy League titles in 1959 and 1960. His biggest accomplishment however, stands to this date, as he guided the Big Green to a 46 game winning streak from 1942 to 1946.
With the final Hobey field all set, we are now officially a week away from the Frozen Four. See you in Denver!