Hobey Baker Award 2012: Shaun Hunwick, Torey Krug Among 10 Finalists

The Hobey Baker Award finalists have been announced for 2012. There are 10 total finalists, including two from colleges in the state of Michigan: Michigan goaltender Shawn Hunwick and Michigan State defenseman Torey Krug.

Hunwick's road to being named a Hobey Baker Award finalist is pretty unbelievable. He came to Michigan as a walk-on and never expected to see the ice for more than a few minutes in his career. Then, two years ago, he was called upon to replace Bryan Hogan, who went down with an injury on Senior Night. Michigan rode Hunwick to a CCHA tournament title to keep its NCAA tournament streak alive. The next season (2010-11), Hunwick and Hogan battled for the starting job and Hunwick won the competition after Hogan experienced another injury (right before The Big Chill at the Big House). Michigan had a great season and went on to lose in the national championship game to Minnesota Duluth.

This year, Hunwick has been lights out for Michigan. Although the Wolverines did get off to a slow start this season, Hunwick has been outstanding in the second half and has led Michigan back to Joe Louis Arena for the semifinals of the CCHA tournament. Michigan is in position for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, and Hunwick has played a big part in the team's success. He has a 23-10-3 record, a goals against average of 1.96 and a save percentage of .934.

Krug has emerged as an outstanding defenseman for Michigan State. This season, he scored 12 goals and recorded 21 assists in 37 games. He ranks third in the nation in points among defensemen, and he led Michigan State to a 19-15-4 record. Krug, who is in his second year as captain of Michigan State, is hoping to go to the NCAA tournament with the Spartans, which are up for an at-large bid but are currently on the bubble.

The only other finalist from the CCHA is Miami forward Reilly Smith.