When most people think of the University of Maine, they think great hockey. This season particularly, many avid hockey fans think of Spencer Abbott himself. Abbott’s impressive season of 59 points in just 37 games (20 goals, 39 assists) has landed him some highly esteemed awards, nominations and led the team to a successful season thus far. As assistant captain this season, Abbott aims to keep the morale on the team up by “going out there every game and trying to lead by example”. Himself and his teammates will make a run at the NCAA Finals this Saturday. Through it all, Spencer Abbott has remained humble and grounded in his four years here and this year has helped propel the Black Bears back into the final tournament since not having made it for the past 3 seasons.
Among Spencer Abbott’s many accolades this year includes a nomination into the top 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker award. Head coaches at all accredited NCAA Division 1 schools from across the nation vote for their top three picks for the award. “It feels extremely special to be in the top 10 finalists for this award because of the history that goes with it. So many great players have won this award in the past and to just be among the list of 10 that have a shot at it this year is a great honor. “ The last Black Bear to win the award was Paul Kariya back in 1993 and this year Abbott is among the many great players by representing UMaine.
Other awards for Spencer Abbott this season included the only unanimous selection to the All-Hockey East first team, the Hockey East Top Player of the Year award and he was the highest scorer in Division 1 men’s hockey for the 2011-2012 season.
We have seen as huge difference in play by the Black Bear team as a whole as the regular season came to a close and they hope to continue the momentum into the finals. At the end of the day, no trophy or award means more to Abbott and his teammates alike than to bring home a NCAA championship.
The Black Bears take on the NCAA Division 1 men’s hockey defending champs, Minnesota Duluth on Saturday at 7:30 pm on The CW, WABI-DT2 and ESPN3. Also help Spencer Abbott win the online vote for the Hobey Baker award by visiting – http://www.hobeybakeraward.com/page/show/485291-vote-for-hobey.
Sources:
Personal interview with Spencer Abbott 3/20/12
http://www.cmsbmedia.com/#axzz1plViTbu8
http://www.thespec.com/sports/local/article/688318–us-college-hockey-honouring-hamilton-s-spencer-abbott
http://www.pressherald.com/sports/umaines-abbott-named-hockey-easts-top-player_2012-03-16.html
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Maine chapter.