BOSTON – Northeastern men's hockey forward Tyler Madden has been nominated for the 2020 Hobey Baker Memorial award, which is given annually to the top player in NCAA Division I men's hockey. Fan voting, which is open until March 9, plays a role in narrowing down the nominee pool to ten candidates. To vote for Madden once per day, click here.
 
The sophomore forward has played a critical role in helping the No. 12 Huskies to a 13-6-2 start this season, including a 7-5-1 mark in Hockey East action.
 
A Deerfield Beach, Fla. native, Madden has continued to be a scoring sensation in his sophomore season, recording 30 points off 16 goals and 14 assists to surpass his impressive first-year numbers. Madden's 30 points place him third in the conference and tied for third in the nation in point scoring, while his 16 goals rank second in Hockey East and third amongst all skaters.  
 
In addition to his offensive contributions, Madden has been a key member of the Huskies' special teams, including a penalty killing unit that currently sits atop the conference and fifth in the NCAA with a 90.7 PK percentage. On the power play, Madden has amassed 13 points off four goals and nine assists, which is good for fourth place in the conference.
 
Northeastern has a storied history of Hobey Baker nominees, including 2018 Hobey Baker winner Adam Gaudette – the first Husky to win the award in program history.
 
The Hobey Baker Award
Teamwork. Dedication. Integrity. Exceptional play. Humility. And, above all, character. These are the values that set the game of hockey, and those who play it, apart from any other. They are also the values that the Hobey Baker Award honors each year.
 
The most coveted award in collegiate hockey, the Hobey Baker Award is given to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player in the nation. Winners are chosen not for raw skill or stats or character alone, though those are important. They are selected for everything they do.
 
Candidates must:
    • Exhibit strength and character, both on and off the ice
    • Contribute to the integrity of the team
    • Display outstanding skills in all phases of the game
    • Show scholastic achievement and sportsmanship
 
Candidates must also comply with all NCAA rules, be full-time students in an accredited NCAA college or university, and complete 50% or more of the season.
 
The Hobey Baker Award was named for hockey legend and World War I veteran Hobey Baker. Universally recognized as the best amateur player in the United States, Baker was the ultimate gentleman sportsman, always playing the game with courage, honor, and humility.
 
Nominating and selection criteria
The selection process for the award is in three parts. First, the head coaches of NCAA Division I schools nominate the top three players in their league and the top three players in the nation. College hockey fans can also vote online at this time—and fan voting can be an important factor in the balloting outcome. Price Waterhouse Coopers tabulates the votes and the top 10 candidates are announced.
 
Voting then commences for the "Hobey Hat Trick," which is a narrowing of the field from ten players to three, from which the winner is selected. The primary voting in this part of the process is by the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Selection Committee, a geographically balanced group of 27 individuals representing print and electronic sports media, college hockey coaches and officials, and NHL scouts. Fans may also vote online for their favorite candidate during this phase of the process.
 
After the three finalists for the award are announced ("Hobey Hat Trick"), the countdown begins toward the announcement of the award winner in a nationally televised ceremony.