ROCHESTER, N.Y. – RIT junior forward Christian Catalano, sophomore goaltender Jakub Krbecek and junior defenseman Ben Roger were nominated for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award, presented annually to the nation's top collegiate men's hockey player.
 
The trio is among a group of 87 players nominated for the award based on the following criteria:

• Strength of character, on and off the ice
• Contribution to the integrity of the team and outstanding skills in all phases of the game
• Scholastic achievement and sportsmanship
• Compliance with all NCAA rules, including being a full-time student in an accredited college or university and completing 50 percent or more of the season 

VOTE FOR CHRISTIAN CATALANO: TEXT 26032 TO 844-623-9688
Catalano has totaled 15 points on eight goals and seven assists so far this season, including two game-winning goals, while ranking eight in Atlantic Hockey in shots on goal. He recently scored the overtime winner in the Tigers' 3-2 victory over Robert Morris (Jan. 10) and also notched what proved to be the deciding tally in the 4-1 win over Mercyhurst (Nov. 7). Catalano is the Tigers active leading scorer with 55 points over the last three seasons on 24 goals and 31 assists.

VOTE FOR JAKUB KRBECEK: TEXT 26033 TO 844-623-9688
Krbecek is tied for seventh in the country in victories with a 13-9-0 record, while his 2.08 goals against average currently ranks 13th and his and his .924 save percentage is tied for 14th. He tied a career-high with 44 saves in a 1-0 win over eighth-ranked Penn State (Jan. 3) for his first career shutout. Krbecek was named the AHA Goaltender of the Month after compiling a 4-1-0 record in five October starts, highlighted by a 39-save performance during the 7-3 win over Air Force (Oct. 25) and 28 saves in the 6-2 win over Clarkson (Oct. 18) in the Brick City Homecoming game. He also landed his first career AHA Goaltender of the Week honor (Nov. 4) after combining to stop 42 of 44 shots in back-to-back wins over Colgate.
 
VOTE FOR BEN ROGER: TEXT 26034 TO 844-623-9688
Roger has established himself as one of the top Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) defenseman during his first collegiate season, ranking fifth among the conference's blueliners with 13 points on three goals and 10 assists. He recently scored a career-high three points on a goal and two assists during the 4-1 victory over Robert Morris and also logged a goal, an assist and three blocked shots in the Tigers 7-3 setback at then eighth-ranked Penn State (Jan. 4). 
 
The first phase of fan balloting runs now through March 8. Fans can cast one vote per day using each player's respective code as outlined above. A list of 10 semifinalists will be announced on March 18 when the second phase of voting will run through March 29. Three finalists will comprise the "Hobey Hat Trick," to be announced on April 2, before the award is presented on April 10 during the NCAA Frozen Four in Las Vegas.

Visit hobeybaker.com for more information about the award.