Michigan's Porter wins Hobey Baker Award

Apr 12, 2008 - 3:12 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- One day after suffering a crushing loss, Michigan forward Kevin Porter received quite a consolation prize.

With his national championship hopes dashed a day earlier by Notre Dame, Porter on Friday was named the winner of the 2008 Hobey Baker Award.

The senior edged Boston College's Nathan Gerbe and Miami of Ohio's Kyle Jones for the honor. Porter is the second Wolverine to capture the award, joining Brendan Morrison, who was named college hockey's top player in 1997.

"It's tough to describe," Porter said. "It's an amazing honor, and to be put in the category with the past players that have won, and even Nathan Gerbe and Ryan Jones, both tremendous players, is a great feeling.

"I think winning it is a testament to how well our team did this year. Without them, I wouldn't have been in the top 10 or the final three (candidates). ... My family, their support and encouragement has been amazing ever since I put on the skates when I was two years old. To win this, I think it means a lot to them as well."

A fourth-round pick of the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL draft, Porter recorded 33 goals and 30 assists in 43 games for top-ranked Michigan this season. He currently is tied with Gerbe for the NCAA lead in goals and is second in the nation with 15 power-play tallies.

The 22-year-old notched his final point - an assist - in the Wolverines' 5-4 overtime loss to Notre Dame in Thursday's Frozen Four semifinals. He registered 183 over his career, placing him tied for 17th on Michigan's all-time list.

"My four years at Michigan have been amazing, the best four years of my life," Porter said. "And not just hockey-wise, but off the ice you meet some of your best friends, your life-long friends."

Porter also was named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Player of the Year this season, helping Michigan to the CCHA regular-season and playoff championships.