Biega Named Hobey Baker Nominee

The Harvard men’s hockey team might not be doing so hot, currently riding a six game winless streak, but things are looking up, or at least they are for senior Danny Biega. The defenseman was nominated for the 2013 Hobey Baker Award, which annually recognizes the top collegiate player in the country. You can see the full list of nominees and vote for your favorite here.

The senior has been a formidable part of Harvard’s back line throughout his tenure at Harvard. Biega, a two-time first team All-Ivy selection, recorded back-to-back 30+ point seasons his sophomore and junior years, the first Harvard defenseman to do so in over two decades.

Biega has dished out four assists so far this season, including two in the Crimson’s 5-0 routing of Bentley, but has yet to find the back of the net.

Biega is one of 14 ECAC players and 10 defensemen nominated for the award. Candidates must also exemplify strength of character and integrity, both characteristics of the late Hobey Baker. Widely considered the greatest amateur athlete of the early 20th century, Baker was part of national championship squads in both football and hockey while at Princeton. He is the only person to be inducted into both the Hockey and College Football Halls of Fame.

While most of the voting is left to hockey head coaches, fans have the chance to have a say in this year’s winner through an online selection process. After the first round of fan voting ends, a semifinal list of the top ten candidates will be announced March 21. These nominees will be whittled down to three April 3, with the final recipient announced on April 12.  Fans can vote online in the first two rounds of selection.