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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.