Western Collegiate Hockey Association
North Dakota's Ryan Duncan Named 2007 Hobey Baker Memorial Award Winner as College Hockey's Top Player
April 6, 2007
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Hobey Baker Memorial Award announced today (April 6) the 2007 recipient of college hockey's top individual prize is Ryan Duncan from the University of North Dakota. The announcement came during the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo. as part of the Friday at the Frozen Four festivities.
Duncan, a native of Calgary, Alberta, becomes the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's sixth consecutive Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner and a record 13th overall for the conference, following in the footsteps of previous winners Neal Broten, F, UM - 1981; Tom Kurvers, D, UMD - 1984, Bill Watson, F, UMD - 1985, Tony Hrkac, F, UND - 1981; Robb Stauber, F, UM - 1988; Chris Marinucci, F, UMD - 1994; Brian Bonin, F, UM - 1996; Jordan Leopold, D, UM - 2002; Peter Sejna, F, CC - 2003; Junior Lessard, F, UMD - 2004; Marty Sertich, F, CC - 2005; and Matt Carle, D, DU - 2006. Duncan edged fellow Hobey Hat Trick finalists Erik Ehn, a forward from Air Force Academy, and David Brown, a goaltender from Notre Dame.
The Hobey Baker Award, named for the legendary Princeton hockey player who died testing a repaired aircraft at the end of World War I, recognizes strength of character both on and off the ice. Duncan was selected from a group of 10 finalists by the votes of a 25-member selection committee, along with the results of an online fan ballot.
Duncan, North Dakota's second Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner after joining 1987 Sioux recipient Tony Hrkac, is only the third Hobey winner ever to claim the award as a sophomore, joining Michigan State goaltender Ryan Miller (2000) and Minnesota forward Neal Broten (1981). The high scoring forward from Calgary, Alberta helped the Fighting Sioux to their third straight NCAA Frozen Four appearance before bowing out in Thursday's national semifinal 6-4 to Boston College.
As the left wing on one of college hockey's most potent forward lines with centerman Jonathon Toews and right wing T.J. Oshie, Duncan potted 31 goals on the season. In 43 games, the diminutive Duncan (5'8 and 155 pounds) added 26 assists for 57 points planting him fourth in the nation in scoring and second in goals. Those efforts helped North Dakota (24-15-5) to an awesome second half of the season as the Sioux completed their season on a 15-4-4 run as one of college hockey's hottest teams and captured the NCAA West Regional.
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In addition to winning the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, Duncan was the 2007 WCHA Player of the Year, is a First Team West All-American, was an All-WCHA First Team honoree, and was a member of the All-WCHA Academic Team. His scoring exploits throughout this season helped the Fighting Sioux to their third straight visit to the NCAA Frozen Four tournament, the West Regional championship, and a 24-14-5 overall record. Duncan's 17 power-play markers are second best in the country. Duncan led the conference in points, goals, power-play goals and game-winning goals.
Duncan is a pro hockey free agent and is undecided in his major, but carries a 3.20 GPA at UND.
Hobey Baker Awards Banquet
The Hobey Baker Memorial Awards Banquet honors each year's Hobey Baker Memorial Award recipient and the Hobey Baker Legend of College Hockey honoree. This year's Legend is Ed Saugestad of Augsburg College (Legend Press Release in News section).
The Banquet will be held at 317 On Rice Park, St. Paul, Minnesota, on Thursday, May 3, 2007. A reception begins at 5:30 pm, with the Dinner and Program from 7:00-9:00 pm, and an Overtime social hour to follow.
Fans of college hockey are welcome to attend by invitation or by ordering tickets through our Hobey Store. Individual tickets are available, as well as a variety of table packages for groups of 10, or partial table packages for groups of 6 or 8. All seating is at round tables of 10, with corporate advertising and sponsorship opportunities available. For ordering information and options, go to the Hobey Store or view the links below. Charitable contributions are also welcome.
