University of Denver senior Will Butcher was named the Hobey Baker award winner as the NCAA player of the year on Friday.
With the honor, Butcher becomes the first defenseman to win the award since 2009, and just the sixth to win the award in its 37-year history. He is also the first player from the University of Denver to win college hockey’s top individual honor since Matt Carle won in 2006.
“I’m honored to be chosen for such a prestigious award,” Butcher said during his acceptance of the award. “There are a lot of people who have helped me along the way that have made it possible for me to be here today. First, I thank my teammates because without them this honor would not have been possible. As I’ve said before I believe this award to be a team award. Tonight, as I accept this award, I accept it on behalf of our entire team at DU.”
Butcher, currently in his senior season, serves as team captain for the University of Denver. The team was ranked number one in the nation and will compete against Minnesota Duluth in the Frozen Four final Saturday night. He’s the team’s fourth-leading scorer with 37 points (team-high 30 assists) in 42 games, and he has a plus-27 rating.
“I believe this award to be a team award,” Butcher said. “Tonight, as I accept this award, I accept it on behalf of our entire team at DU.”
With the honor, Butcher becomes the first defenseman to win the award since 2009, and just the sixth to win the award in its 37-year history. He is also the first player from the University of Denver to win college hockey’s top individual honor since Matt Carle won in 2006.
Butcher was a fifth round selection of the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
