Perunovich wins Hobey Baker Award

Congratulations are in order for Blues prospect Scott Perunovich!

Perunovich was revealed as the recipient of this year's Hobey Baker Memorial Award during a live announcement Saturday night on ESPN's SportsCenter. The prestigious honor is given annually to college hockey's top player.

Criteria for the award include displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, strength of character on and off the ice, sportsmanship and scholastic achievements. Recent winners include Cale Makar (2019), Jack Eichel (2015), and Johnny Gaudreau (2014).

Perunovich, who agreed to terms on a two-year entry-level contract with the Blues last month, is coming off another impressive season at University of Minnesota-Duluth.

The Hibbing, Minn., native registered 40 points (six goals, 34 assists) in 34 games, making him the second-highest scoring defenseman in the nation and 10th overall in national scoring.

He became the first defenseman to lead the conference in scoring and was named the Offensive Defenseman of the Year for the third straight season. Additionally he was recognized as the NCHC's Player of the Year and is a two-time All American and three-time First Team all-conference.

The Bulldogs have claimed back-to-back national championships and were eyeing a three-peat, however the college hockey season was ended prematurely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Perunovich was originally drafted by the Blues in the second round (No. 45 overall) at the 2018 NHL Draft.