By Angelique Fiske, QBSN Publishing Editor

Senior goaltender Eric Hartzell (White Bear Lake, Minn.) is in contention for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, the honor given to the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player.  The first round of voting began Jan. 7 and will continue until March 10, giving fans a say in who will make it to the next round.

Anchoring the No. 5 Bobcats (16-3-2, 10-0 ECAC) in net, Hartzell ranks among the nation’s leading goaltenders.  Hartzell stands with four shutouts on the season, two against ECAC Hockey opponents, a 1.48 goals against average and a save percentage of .934.  Hartzell has made 408 saves on the year with only 29 goals against for a sterling 16-2-2 record.

Despite the recognition of ECAC Hockey Goalie of the Month in November and December and two ECAC Hockey Goalie of the Week honors, Hartzell and his success will need hometown help, as history stands against NCAA netminders .  Of the 31 previous recipients, only two have been goaltenders.

Fans can cast a vote at http://www.hobeybakeraward.com/.