Senior University of Denver defenseman Joey LaLeggia has been named a top 10 finalist for the 2015 Hobey Baker Award, presented annually to the top men’s college hockey player in the United States. The Hobey Hat Trick (top three finalists) will be announced on April 2, and the winner will be unveiled on April 10 during the NCAA Frozen Four. A complete list of finalists can be found at HobeyBaker.com.

Previous DU student-athletes to have been nominated for the Hobey Baker Award include Ed Beers (1982), Dallas Gaume (1986), Dave Shields (1990), Wade Dubielewicz (2002), Matt Carle (2006), Marc Cheverie (2010) and Rhett Rakhshani (2010). Carle is the only Pioneer to have ever won the Hobey Baker Award.

LaLeggia, 22, was named to the NCHC’s All-Conference Team on March 11. He is also a finalist for the conference’s Player of the Year, Defenseman of the Year and Offensive Defenseman of the Year awards.

In 34 games played this season, LaLeggia has recorded 38 points on 13 goals and 25 assists. The Edmonton Oilers prospect ranks third in the nation in overall scoring by a rearguard.

A five-time winner of the NCHC’s Defenseman of the Week award this season, LaLeggia also captured conference Player of the Month honors for January and February.

The Pioneers (22-12-2) enter the 2015 Frozen Faceoff as the No. 3-ranked team on the national PairWise Chart. Denver will face Miami (23-13-1) Friday night in NCHC semifinal action (puck drop: 6:38 p.m. MST), with the conference’s championship game and consolation final both slated for Saturday.

Friday’s DU-MU contest will air live on the CBS Sports Network beginning at 6:30 p.m. MDT. Saturday’s NCHC Championship Game (teams TBD) will air on CBS Sports Network, also beginning at 6:30 p.m. MDT. Local restaurants set to show Friday’s nationally televised game include The Pioneer, Boone’s Tavern, Crimson & Gold Tavern, South Philly Cheesesteak and Stadium Inn. Should the Pioneers advance to the conference’s title match on Saturday, the same eateries will show the game in their respective establishments. Both of this weekend’s DU playoff games will also be broadcast on ESPN Denver 105.5 FM.