Connolly wins 2012 Hobey Baker Award

Apr 7, 2012 - 5:13 AM Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Executive Committee announced Friday that Minnesota-Duluth center Jack Connolly was named the 32nd winner of college hockey's most prestigious individual honor.

Named after a legendary Princeton hockey player who died in World War I, the award recognizes strength of character in players both on and off the ice.

Connolly had 20 goals and 40 assists for 60 points in 41 games played this season as a member of the defending national champions. He finished second in the nation in scoring and second in assists.

The 22-year-old native of Duluth also took home WCHA Player of the Year honors. A two-time All American, Connolly lit up the WCHA this past season by winning the regular season conference scoring title and being named a First Team all-star for the third consecutive year.

Connolly has never missed a college game, dressing for 166 straight contests. He becomes the fifth Minnesota-Duluth Bulldog to be named the award winner. Previous winners were: Junior Lessard (2004), Chris Marinucci (1994), Bill Watson (1985) and Tom Kurvers (1984).

Minnesota-Duluth lost to Boston College in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Miami-Ohio forward Andy Miele took home the award last season.