Boston College Athletics
Mike Mottau Wins College Hockey's Highest Individual Honor
April 07, 2000 | Men's Hockey
April 7, 2000
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Hobey Baker Memorial Award, college hockey's top individual prize was today awarded to Boston College star defenseman Mike Mottau. The Eagles' senior captain is coming off a fabulous season, leading the team to its third consecutive berth in the NCAA Tournament's Frozen Four.
Mottau was one of three candidates from Boston College, joining teammates Brian Gionta and Jeff Farkas as top ten finalists for this prestigious award. The only defenseman among the 10 finalists, Mottau also earned 1999-2000 HOCKEY EAST Co-Player of the Year honors as well as the league's Defensive Defenseman of the Year award.
Finishing fourth in team scoring, the senior has 37 assists on the season. This weekend he is capping off a brilliant collegiate career, ranking as the school's career assist leader. He'll also finish as the top scoring defenseman in BC history.
While the offensive numbers are outstanding, Mottau excelled in playing defense. The Eagles were ranked third overall in the nation for team defense and first nationally in penalty killing with his help, Mike commonly logged almost half a game in ice time.
Mottau also captured the Walter Brown Award for the second straight year as the top American-born player in New England.
The Hobey Baker Memorial Award annually honors the top player in Division I college hockey in the U.S. An initial round of balloting is conducted with all 60 Division I college coaches submitting candidates for the 10 finalists. These 10 names are advanced to the Selection Committee to determine the eventual recipient of the award. The Selection Committee is a geographically balanced group of 20 members composed of media, NHL scouts and college hockey coaches.
This marks the third consecutive year that a Hockey East player has earned the Hobey Baker Award.
Mike Mottau will be honored at a special banquet on Friday, April 14 at the Decathlon Hotel & Athletic Club in Bloomington, MN.
