Spencer Abbott Named to Hobey Hat Trick

ORONO, Maine -- University of Maine men's ice hockey standout Spencer Abbott (Hamilton, Ontario) was named one of the three finalists for the 2012 Hobey Baker Award on Thursday, given to college hockey's top player. Abbott joins Jack Connolly of Minnesota-Duluth and Colgate's Austin Smith. The award will be presented on Friday, April 6 at MacDill Air Force Basebal in Tampa, Fla.

Abbott has had a remarkable career for the Black Bears. He led Maine and the nation in scoring this past season with 21 goals and 41 assists for 62 points. He has four power play goals and a pair of game-winners. 

The honors are impressive for Abbott this season as he was named the 2012 Hockey East Player of the Year and the lone unanimous selection to the Hockey East First Team. Earlier this week he earned the Leonard Fowle Award for the Most Valuable Player in New England. He was also awarded the Herb Gallagher Award for Best Forward in New England. 

It is the second time in the past three seasons that Maine has had a player selected to the Hobey Hat Trick. Gustav Nyquist was one of the three finalists during the 2010 season. 

Earlier this week, Abbott signed a professional contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.