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LOWELL, Mass.—No. 19/20 UMass Lowell men's hockey senior Carl Berglund (Hammaro, Sweden) and graduate student Gustavs Davis Grigals (Riga, Latvia) have been named nominees for the 2023 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, as announced Thursday afternoon by the organization. 
 
Given annually to the nation's top Division I hockey player, the first phase of fan voting for this year's Hobey Baker Award opens today and runs through Sunday, March 5. Fans can cast their vote once a day at this link. 
 
Berglund and Grigals have been instrumental in the River Hawks' success this season. An asset on offense, Berglund continues to be an explosive presence for UMass Lowell with 20 points so far, just eight shy of his single-season mark set last year. With eight goals and 12 assists, Berglund's current point total lands him atop the River Hawks' scoresheet through their first 22 games and in a tie for seventh in the league. 
 
Between the pipes, Grigals acclimated quickly to the UMass Lowell system and the high-intensity Hockey East action after coming to the Mill City from Alaska Fairbanks. In his 13 appearances, Grigals has maintained his spot amongst the nation's best, tying for third in the nation in save percentage (.929) and boasting the seventh-best GAA (1.96). The Latvian-born netminder has also allowed the tenth-fewest goals this season with just 25 crossing the goal line. His acrobatic defense has backstopped a lethal River Hawks' penalty-killing unit this season, as well. With a .872 success rate on the kill, Grigals has helped the team rank amongst the top five PK squads in the nation all season long.  
 
After the preliminary round of fan voting, the Top 10 nominees will advance through a second round of voting set for March 17-26 in hopes of being selected for the "Hobey Hat Trick," which narrows the field to its final three candidates announced on March 30. The Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner will then be revealed on April 7 at the 2023 Frozen Four in Tampa, Fla. 
  
 About the Hobey Baker Memorial Award
 
Teamwork. Dedication. Integrity. Exceptional play. Humility. And, above all, character. These are the values that set the game of hockey, and those who play it, apart from any other. They are also the values that the Hobey Baker Award honors each year.
  
The most coveted award in collegiate hockey, the Hobey Baker Award is given to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player in the nation. Winners are chosen not for raw skill or stats or character alone, though those are important. They are selected for everything they do.
  
 Candidates must:
   • Exhibit strength and character, both on and off the ice
   • Contribute to the integrity of the team
   • Display outstanding skills in all phases of the game
   • Show scholastic achievement and sportsmanship
  
Candidates must also comply with all NCAA rules, be full-time students in an accredited NCAA college or university, and complete 50% or more of the season.
  
The Hobey Baker Award was named for hockey legend and World War I veteran Hobey Baker. Universally recognized as the best amateur player in the United States, Baker was the ultimate gentleman sportsman, always playing the game with courage, honor, and humility.

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