The Hobey Baker Award-winning year for Drew LeBlanc was an amazing one. Following a horrific broken leg injury during the prior season, LeBlanc returned for a fifth season to captain the Huskies. The masterful playmaking center from Hermantown, Minnesota, had an outstanding season, leading the nation with 37 assists in 42 games while contributing 13 goals for 50 total points (seventh in the nation). His creative playmaking skills while on offense were matched by his diligent efforts in his own defensive zone, helping St. Cloud State earn their first WCHA regular season title and their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four championship. LeBlanc’s magical season helped him attain a first in the 52-year history of the WCHA by being named both the Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year and the WCHA Player of the Year. He took on an added academic load to complete his math education degree by student teaching all season, and was active in community outreach programs, assisting new students on campus, and helping out at local hockey clinics. A pro hockey free agent, LeBlanc signed with the Chicago Blackhawks and spent two seasons with Rockford of the AHL and is playing this season with Augsburg in Germany.
Top Ten:
Player Stats
| Type | Season | Team Name | League | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Season | 2024-2025 | Dresdner Eislöwen | DEL2 | 9 | 25 | 34 | 32 | 11 |
| Hobey Winning Season | 2012-2013 | St. Cloud State Univ. | NCAA | 13 | 37 | 50 | 14 | 14 |
2013 Runner Up
Back to back 21 goal seasons is a fantastic way to start your college career, and so is posting 95 total points. The smallish scoring dynamo, Johnny Gaudreau (pronounced GOO-dreau), proved he can make plays as well as score goals by leading Hockey East in both points and assists. He completed his season tied for fourth in the nation in scoring while tied for eighth in both goals and assists. Gaudreau recorded 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points in 35 games. He also contributed four power play goals and he was tied for second in the nation with his six game winning goals. His scoring exploits saw him average 1.46 points per game, topping everyone in the nation. Gaudreau was duly honored, heralded as a First Team all-star in Hockey East and was named their Player of the Year. A Communications major, Gaudreau joins in volunteering with a variety of team functions as well as visiting Children’s Hospital, elementary schools and assisting race-day for a 5K fundraiser. He was a draft choice of Calgary (4th round) and missed two games this past season to play for the U.S. World Junior Team, earning a gold medal while leading the IIHF tournament with seven goals.
There is a reason why Quinnipiac made their first ever trip to the NCAA Frozen Four. They were firmly anchored in net by their outstanding goalie Eric Hartzell. The Bobcats were ranked number one entering the national tournament but lost in the championship game to Yale. Quinnipiac’s overall team defense was a remarkable 1.67, one of only two schools in the country under 2.00. Hartzell was a work-horse and led the nation in minutes played. In 42 games, Hartzell had a 1.57 goals against average (3rd in the nation) and a .933 saves percentage (8th in the nation). His overall record in 42 games was 30-7-5, good enough for the second best win percentage in the country while posting the most wins. While leading all ECAC goalies in conference play, the league acknowledged him as a First Team all-star, Player of the Year and Goalie of the Year. Incredibly, he allowed two goals or less in 35 games and at one point, posted a 21-game unbeaten streak. Hartzell, a pro hockey free agent, signed with the Pittsburgh Penquins. A Marketing major, Hartzell is an active volunteer visiting elementary schools, assisting at hockey clinics and a participant in the team’s St. Baldrick’s annual fundraiser.