In the world of collegiate athletics, football has the Heisman, basketball has the Wooden, and hockey has the Hobey Baker award.

This year, the lone Colonial nominee is junior Cody Wydo.  Wydo is also one of ten players in Atlantic Hockey eligible for the accolade. Other recent Colonials to receive nominations are Adam Brace, Zach Hervato, Eric Levine, and Brooks Ostergard.

First awarded in 1981, the Hobey Baker Award recognizes the top NCAA ice hockey player in the nation.  However, just like the award’s namesake, the recipient must not only excel athletically, but also in terms of character.

“[The award is important] because of what it represents.  The guy that it’s named after was a hard-working guy and did everything for the community,” noted the Michigan native.  “It’s not just about being a good player on the ice.  It’s about what you do off the ice, too, as well.”

In his career at RMU, Wydo has accumulated 74 points (eighth in program history) and 48 goals (second in program history).  Other records he holds are most game-winning goals (10) and shorthanded goals (four).

In this season alone, the forward has collected 21 points, 14 goals and seven assists.  His 0.70 goals place him in the top ten in the nation.

Even though the award is meant to highlight a singular player,Wydo doesn’t see it that way.

“It means a lot to me…but more importantly, just getting the Robert Morris University hockey team out in the nation.  Let everyone know who we are and represent well.”

The first phase of voting continues until March ninth.  After that, the winner is selected from a group of 10 players and will be announced on March 20.  To vote, visithttp://www.hobeybaker.com/awards/the-hobey-baker-memorial-award/vote.  Fans are allowed one vote every 24 hours.