from mgoblue.comhttp://www.mgoblue.com/ice-hockey/article.aspx?id=133678
Michigan's Porter Wins Hobey Baker Award
April 11, 2008
DENVER, Colo. -- University of Michigan senior forward Kevin Porter (Northville, Mich.) was named the 28th recipient of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award on Friday night (April 11) at the Pepsi Center. The honor is given annually to college hockey's top student-athlete. Criteria for the award include: strength of character on and off the ice, displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, sportsmanship, and scholastic achievements. The other two finalists were Boston College junior forward Nathan Gerbe and Miami senior forward Ryan Jones.
Michigan's only other Hobey Baker Award winner is Brendan Morrison, who received the laurel in 1997.
Michigan's captain, Porter led the 2007-08 Wolverines to a record of 33-6-4 and a berth in the 2008 NCAA Frozen Four. Porter piloted the Wolverines to CCHA regular-season and postseason championships, as well as the nation's No. 1 ranking for more than half the season. He was recognized as the CCHA Player of the Year and was All-CCHA first team after leading the league in scoring (22-20-42). Porter is tied for the national lead in goals (33), ranks second in points (63) and shares second with his 15 power-play goals. Porter accumulated just 18 penalty minutes this season, and his plus/minus rating of +34 led the Wolverines.
Porter almost single-handedly carried U-M to its first Frozen Four since 2003 by scoring five goals and one assist in the 2008 NCAA East Regional (March 28-29). The centerman collected Most Outstanding Player honors and all-tournament team recognition. Porter had one assist in Michigan's 5-4 overtime loss to Notre Dame in the Frozen Four semifinals.
Prior to the Hobey Baker Award announcement, Porter had already been proclaimed the 2007-08 Player of the Year by College Hockey News and Inside College Hockey.
Porter's 183 career points put him in a tie for 17th in U-M's annals. His 85 career goals rank 19th among Wolverine forwards, while his 98 assists put him in a tie for 19th among forwards.
In the community, Porter routinely visits the University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital, and he has participated in activities for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and U-M Dance Marathon, which raises money for pediatric rehabilitation.
Porter is scheduled to graduate with a degree in general studies later this month.
Porter was the 11th Wolverine to be tabbed as a Hobey Baker finalist. He was the first U-M player to be picked for the "Hobey Hat Trick" since the format was adopted in 2002.
The Hobey Baker winner is chosen by the Hobey Baker Selection Committee, which is a group of coaches, scouts, media and a representative from USA Hockey.
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Q U O T E S
Senior Forward Kevin Porter -- 2008 Hobey Baker Memorial Award Recipient
On how he feels being named the Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner ... "It's tough to describe. It's an amazing honor, and to be put in the category with the past players that have won (the Hobey Baker Award) and even (fellow Hobey Hat Trick finalists) Nathan Gerbe and Ryan Jones, both tremendous, players, is a great feeling."
On what it means to his team and to his family to win the Hobey Baker Award ... "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 (for the award). My linemates, Chad Kolarik and Max Pacioretty were unbelievable all year. I think those guys even should have been in the top 10, if not the top three. 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."
On deciding to stay for four years and becoming a role model for other student-athletes ... "My four years at Michigan have been amazing -- the best four years of my life. And not just hockey-wise, but off the ice you meet some of your best friends, your life-long friends, you're graduating from the University of Michigan, one of the best universities in the country. I don't think it was a hard decision to make when I decided to come back for my senior season."
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