Walter Brown Award Semifinalists Announced

The Gridiron Club of Greater Boston announced the 20 semifinalists for the 63rd Walter Brown Award, given annually to the best American-born college hockey player in competing in New England. 14 teams are represented among the 20 semifinalists, 12 of whom are from Hockey East, six from ECAC Hockey and two from Atlantic Hockey.

Jack Eichel, Matt Grzelcyk and Danny O'Regan made the list of semifinalists, giving Boston University three nominees, the only school with more than two.

Eichel would have to be the obvious front runner to win this award. Freshman or not, it would be a crying shame if he didn't pick up the honor. One obvious snub was Boston College rookie defenseman Noah Hanifin.

2015 Walter Brown Award Semifinalists

Austin Orzulak, Sophomore, Forward, American International

Steve Weinstein, Senior, Defenseman, Bentley *

Thatcher Demko, Sophomore, Goaltender, Boston College

Jack Eichel, Freshman, Forward, Boston University

Matt Grzelcyk, Junior, Defenseman, Boston University ^

Danny O'Regan, Junior, Forward, Boston University *

Rob Nichols, Sophomore, Goaltender, Connecticut

Eric Robinson, Senior, Forward, Dartmouth

Jimmy Vesey, Junior, Forward, Harvard *

Kyle Criscuolo, Junior, Forward, Harvard

Frank Vatrano, Sophomore, Forward, Massachusetts

Tyler Kelleher, Sophomore, Forward, New Hampshire

Jon Gillies, Junior, Goaltender, Providence ^

Trevor Mingoia, Junior, Forward, Providence

Sam Anas, Sophomore, Forward, Quinnipiac *

Danny Federico, Senior, Defenseman, Quinnipiac

C.J. Smith, Freshman, Forward, UMass Lowell

Dylan Zink, Sophomore, Defenseman, UMass Lowell

Michael Paliotta, Senior, Defenseman, Vermont

Alex Lyon, Sophomore, Goaltender, Yale

* Indicates a repeat nominee from 2014

^ Indicates a nominee from 2013

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.