McKenna and Martone Nominated for Hobey Baker Award in NCAA Update

Bassyonni

Published: February 26, 2026 8:08 PM ET

McKenna and Martone Nominated for Hobey Baker Award in NCAA Update

As the NCAA regular season approaches its conclusion, the competition for the Hobey Baker Award intensifies. This prestigious honor is awarded to the top male Division I player in the nation. Last year’s recipient was Isaac Howard from Michigan State, who now plays for the Edmonton Oilers’ AHL affiliate, Bakersfield. This year’s finalists will be announced soon.

Upcoming Dates for Hobey Baker Award

The timeline for the award includes several important dates:

March 18, 2026: Announcement of the top 10 finalists.
April 3, 2026: Reveal of the Hobey Hat Trick finalists.
April 10, 2026: Winner announced during the Frozen Four in Las Vegas.

Hobey Baker Award Contenders

This season boasts a blend of accomplished players vying for the award. Notable contenders include:

Trey Augustine – Michigan State University

The junior goalie has an impressive record of 22 wins and six losses, accompanied by a 1.96 goals-against average. His performance has earned him a spot as the No. 1 goalie for the top-ranked team. Augustine was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Michael Hage – University of Michigan

This dynamic center has become a key player, ranking fifth among NCAA scorers with 43 points in 32 games. Since returning from the IIHF World Junior Championship, Hage has amassed 20 points in just 12 games. He was picked by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Porter Martone – Michigan State University

Martone, a freshman forward, celebrated his first NCAA hat trick recently. He has gathered 41 points over 28 games this season, showcasing a streak of 14 points during a recent run. The Philadelphia Flyers selected him in the first round of the 2025 draft.

Gavin McKenna – Penn State University

Ranked No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm list for the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna showcased his skills with an impressive surge of eight points over two games last weekend. His consistency makes him a strong candidate for the Hobey Baker Award.

As the announcement dates approach, fans and analysts alike look forward to seeing who will be nominated for the Hobey Baker Award this season. The competition remains fierce, with several standout performances lighting up the ice.