Boston University's Jack Eichel Wins Hobey Baker Award

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston University freshman center and Massachusetts native Jack Eichel is official the best player in college hockey.

That's a belief that's been almost universally shared around the game all season, but it was made official on Friday when the 18-year-old was announced as the winner of the 35th annual Hobey Baker Award.

Eichel beat out Harvard junior Jimmy Vesey and North Dakota junior goaltender Zane McIntyre. All three finalists have a Boston connection. Vesey grew up in Charelstown and North Reading, and McIntyre is a 2010 sixth-round pick of the Boston Bruins.

Eichel scored two goals on Thursday night in helping to lead BU to a 5-3 win over McIntyre's North Dakota team in the Frozen Four. BU will take on Providence College in the national championship on Saturday night at the TD Garden in Boston.

"What an honor it is to win this award, that I've dreamed my whole life of potentially having the chance to be a candidate for," Eichel said.

In 39 games played this season, Eichel has scored 26 goals and assisted on 44 more as part of the best line in college hockey. The North Chelmsford native is also a plus-51 on the season. He leads the nation in points (70), and only Vesey scored more goals (32).

Eichel's win makes it two straight for Hockey East, as Boston College's Johnny Gaudreau won the award last year. BU's most recent Hobey Baker winner was Matt Gilroy in 2009. Chris Drury in 1998 is the school's only other winner.

Eichel was the first freshman to be a Hobey Baker finalist since 2003, and he joins Paul Kariya (Maine, 1993) as the only freshmen to ever win the award.

Though his collegiate career still has at least one game remaining, if he decides to enter the NHL draft this year, Eichel is expected to go No. 2 behind Connor McDavid.