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Trio of Former USHL Players Named as 2024 Hobey Hat Trick Finalists

April 4, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release


The Hobey Award committee has announced that a trio of former players from the United States Hockey League are the three finalists for the 2024 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA Division I men's college hockey.

This year's recipient of the Hobey Baker Award will be announced April 12th with the winner presented the trophy live on NHL Network at the Frozen Four in St. Paul, Minn.

Jackson Blake, a sophomore forward at the University of North Dakota, finished the season with 22 goals and 38 assists for 60 points in 40 games. Blake joined Zach Parise as the second sophomore at UND in the last 30 years to reach 100 career points. The Chicago Steel product who was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round (109 overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, was named NCHC First Team and the NCHC Player of the Year and Forward of the Year this season.

One of the top point-producers in the nation and yet just a 17-year old freshman, Macklin Celebrini has helped lead Boston University to this year's Frozen Four while recording 64 points, including 12 power play goals and four game-winning goals, ranking second nationally in goals and tied for second nationally in points. A top prospect eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver, B.C., native was named Hockey East Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year, named to Hockey East First Team, All Rookie Team and is the 2023-24 Hockey East Scoring Champion. He played in the USHL last year with the Chicago Steel.

A sophomore forward from Boston College, Cutter Gauthier, a product of the USA Hockey NTDP program, has racked up 37 goals and 64 points (tied for second in the nation) this year in helping the Eagles to a spot in the Frozen Four. Named Hockey East First Team and runner-up for league Player of the Year, he leads the NCAA in goals and game-winning goals.

2024 Hobey Hat Trick Finalists

Jackson Blake, North Dakota (Chicago Steel 2020-22)

Macklin Celebrini, Boston University (Chicago Steel 2022-23)

Cutter Gauthier, Boston College (USA Hockey NTDP 2020-22)

Including last year's winner Adam Fantilli (Michigan), who played with the Chicago Steel from 2020-22, 14 former USHL players have been Hobey Baker Award recipients since the award was inaugurated in 1981.

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