The initial list of Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalists was announced on Monday afternoon, and there's a familiar face hidden amongst the 88 names in contention. Carolina Hurricanes 2024 5th round pick and Maine forward Justin Poirier is on the initial list, putting him in a spot to challenge for the NCAA's top individual prize in men's hockey.
His path to the NCAA began with three seasons in the QMJHL for Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Poirier led the QMJHL in goals (51) in 2023-24 and was fourth the following season (43). During each campaign, he was in the league's Top 10 in scoring, eclipsing 80 points in each. With the CHL to NCAA pipeline opening up, Poirier opted to take his talents to the University of Maine.
During his first season of college hockey, Poirier came out of the gates hot. He recorded a hat trick in his college debut against Holy Cross, pacing one of the most productive seasons for a freshman in the country. Poirier leads all freshman in goals (17) and is second in freshman scoring (28). His numbers overall put him fifth in goals and tied for 14th in points in the country.
Poirier faces serious competition to win the award from several other drafted prospects. Detroit/Minnesota-Duluth forward Max Plante leads the country in points and is tied for the lead in goals. Powerhouses Michigan and Michigan State are among several schools with three players represented. Poirier might not have the inside track, but he'll have the Caniacs behind him.
Hobey Baker voting is in the hands of the fans. With this list of 80+ players, the fans get to vote for who they want to win the award. Voting is open through March 8. The list will shrink to ten for the next round of voting, and the Hobey Baker Award will be announced on April 10 during the NCAA's Frozen Four to crown a national champion.