Northeastern men’s hockey player Adam Gaudette helped lead the Huskies to the program’s first Beanpot title in 30 years. On Friday, he added to a historic season by becoming the first Northeastern player in school history to win the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, given to the nation’s top NCAA Division 1 men’s collegiate hockey player.

Gaudette, a native of Braintree, Massachusetts, led the nation in scoring this season with 60 points (30 goals, 30 assists). He has also been named the Hockey East Player of the Year and Walter Brown Award winner. Following the conclusion of Northeastern’s season, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

This year at Northeastern has been one of the most memorable years of my life.

Adam Gaudette

In his acceptance speech Friday night, a humble Gaudette thanked his teammates, coaches, and family. He called winning the award “an honor” and described it as “a special feeling.”

“This year at Northeastern has been one of the most memorable years of my life,” Gaudette said. “I wouldn’t be here without the guys on the team, and especially wouldn’t be here without my two linemates Dylan Sikura and Nolan Stevens. Playing on a line with those guys was the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey. We accomplished a lot this year, winning the Beanpot for the first time in 30 years. That’s something not a lot of people understand if you’re not from Boston, but that just meant so much to me personally and the team and the school and the community.”

Gaudette played three seasons for Northeastern, helping lead the Huskies to two NCAA tournament appearances in that time. He is 11th in career goals (68) in program history, is tied for 17th in career points (142), and holds the school record for career power play goals (32).

He scored a hat trick in the Beanpot championship game and was named the tournament MVP. In a television interview following the Hobey Baker Award announcement, he described that victory as “the most emotional game he’s ever played” and emphasized how much it meant to the Northeastern community.

“We are incredibly proud of Adam for this tremendous honor,” said Northeastern’s Fernie Flaman Men’s Hockey Coach Jim Madigan. “What he was able to accomplish this season is something that many players would dream of doing over a career. Every accolade he’s received this season is well deserved, and to officially be recognized as college hockey’s top player speaks to his determination and incredible work ethic that Adam brings to the rink every day. His future in this game is extremely bright, and we thank him for everything’s he done for our hockey program and Northeastern University. We wish him the very best as he embarks on his professional career.”

Gaudette made his NHL debut on March 29 and played in the final five games of the season for the Canucks.