No. 11 Arizona State hockey nominates three players for Hobey Baker Award

Arizona State hockey is one of the hottest programs in the sport currently, shooting up national rankings to No. 11 after winning 12 of its last 13 games played. The Sun Devils roster is filled with incredible talent, including three NHL Draft selections.

Just over halfway through the regular season, teams across college hockey are nominating players to be considered for season-end awards, the most prestigious of which is the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. The trophy is handed out to the most outstanding individual player of the year, essentially the hockey equivalent of football's Heisman Trophy.

ASU nominated three players, two forwards and one defenseman, to be considered by voters for the honor. Senior Ryan Kirwan, junior Bennett Schimek and graduate Noah Beck will be on the list fans and media members can choose from until the end of the season.

What is the Hobey Baker Award? Meet ASU's three nominees

The Hobey Baker Memorial Award has been handed out since 1981 in honor of the memory and legacy of its namesake, recognizing the most outstanding amateur hockey player in the United States. Past winners include current NHL standouts and former NCAA national champions like Macklin Celebrini (2024), Adam Fantilli (2023) and Cole Caufield (2021).

Forward Ryan Kirwan (14 G, 7 A, 21 P)

The senior from DeWitt, New York has been an offensive powerhouse for the Sun Devils this season. His 14 red lights lead the team by a country mile, due in part to his clutch hat-trick against then-No. 16 Cornell in the Desert Hockey Classic final.

Forward Bennett Schimek (8 G, 13 A, 21P)

The junior from Mendota Heights, Minnesota is the only other Sun Devil who comes close to Kirwan in goals and points, most recently denting the twine against then-No. 14 North Dakota. Schimek logged points in five of his last six contests played, only failing to make the score sheet six times so far this season.

Defenseman Noah Beck (4 G, 18 A, 22 P)

The graduate transfer from Clarkson leads the team in points and has been an assist machine from the blue line. Beck has recorded multiple points seven times this year including a goal and assist against then-No. 8 Colorado College. His knack to find teammates in scoring positions has paid off big time as the squad sits atop the NCHC standings in its first year as a member.