Quick hit this afternoon: Red Wings prospect and University of Maine forward Gustav Nyquist was named as one of the ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award for the second year in a row. The award is given to the top NCAA men’s hockey player.
As a sophomore, Nyquist lost the trophy to Wisconsin’s Blake Geoffrion. This year, he’s in great company as the following players were also named finalists: Cam Atkinson (Boston College, Columbus Blue Jackets), Justin Schultz (Wisconsin, Anaheim Ducks), Carter Camper (Miami), Andy Miele (Miami), Jack Connolly (Minnesota-Duluth), Matt Frattin (North Dakota, Toronto Maple Leafs), Chase Polacek (RPI), Paul Thompson (New Hampshire), and Paul Zanette (Niagara).
Nyquist has a busy few weeks ahead of him. Maine’s season may have come to an end, but he’ll be wrestling with the decision to play his senior year or turn pro and join the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2011-12. It’s the Wings preference that he take the next step toward becoming a Red Wing.
Photo Credit: University of Maine