As the High Plains Hockey League's March 26th deadline for nominations to be submitted for the 2020 Hobey Baker Award nears, we take a look at some of the criteria that qualify a team's candidate and the values that shape what the award is all about.

Now approaching it's 15th season, the Hobey Baker Foundation provides High Plains with a platform for coaches to recognize some of their athletes by nominating a junior or senior who exemplifies the characteristics of leadership. 

Each year head coaches from every varsity club are able to select one player as their Hobey Baker High School Character Award winner.  Each appointee should demonstrate character, excellence, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.  Last season there were over 1,000 schools that participated nationally.

The Hobey Baker Award Committee helps acknowledge those participants who most embody the values and principles that the game teaches.  Coachability, strength of character, integrity, commitment, teamwork, community building, and outstanding sportsmanship are some of the added qualities that assist in identifying the best candidates.

Once a winner from each team has been selected by each coach, they are presented with a honoree plaque provided by the Hobey Baker Award Committee.  The award is generally presented to the recipient on the season ending game or event, and information on each winner is displayed on the Hobey Baker web-site.

If you have not yet gotten your nomination submitted, be sure to do so soon as this is the last week that selections will be accepted.  If you need more information, be sure to check out the High Plains web-site.  High Plains winners are typically honored at an Avalanche game during the league season, but given the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 the opportunity to honor this year's nominees is still to be determined.