Oxford’s Nathan Gerbe is one step closer to winning college hockey’s top honor.
On March 20, Gerbe, a junior forward with the Boston College Eagles, was named one of the 10 finalists for the 2008 Hobey Baker Award ? the equivalent of college football’s Heisman Trophy.
This year’s field of Hobey hopefuls started with 101 players.
Fan voting at www.hobeybaker.com narrowed the field to 10.
Fans are asked to keep voting until March 30 in order to determine the three finalists, which will be announced April 2 as the ‘Hobey Hat Trick.?
This year’s Hobey winner will be announced April 11 during the NCAA Frozen Four Championships in Denver, Colorado.
So far, the 5-5/165-pound Gerbe has been virtually unstoppable on the ice this season.
As of March 24, Gerbe is leading the Eagles with 28 goals, 29 assists and 218 shots in 39 games this season.
The 20-year-old player recently received the Hockey East conference tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
Gerbe recorded nine points ? four goals and five assists ? in four league playoff victories, which resulted in Boston College winning the Hockey East Tournament Championship for the eighth time.
He also earned Hockey East Player of the Week honors. Gerbe was named Hockey East Player of the Month in December and January.
In 2005, Gerbe was the Buffalo Sabres? 5th round (142nd overall) pick in the NHL Entry Draft. After he graduates from college next year, he will have until August to sign with Buffalo. If he doesn’t, he’ll become a free agent.