Ton
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The Blackhawks signed <strong class='bbc'>Drew LeBlanc[/b] hours after he won the 2012-2013 Hobey Baker award for the player of the year on Friday. He was also named the outstanding student-athlete of the year, marking the first time a player has achieved both honors during the entire 52 year history of the WCHA.
LeBlanc led all of Men's Division I Hockey in assists (38) and was seventh in points (50) in his fifth year at St. Cloud State. LeBlanc captained his team to an appearance in the Frozen Four in his final season, where they lost to Quinnipac in the Semi-finals. The 6-0, 195 pound center notched 147 points in 170 career games in the WCHA over five seasons.
Former St. Cloud State teammate Ben Hanowski spoke highly of LeBlanc several times, calling him the "heart and soul" of the team, and head coach Bob Motzko labeling him as a "terrific player and an even better person."
It's no surprise to hear former teammates and coaches singing high praises of LeBlanc considering his character was built on adversity, hard work, and humility which helped shape him into the leader he has become today.
From 2008-2011, LeBlanc was considered eligible for the NHL Entry Draft. During that time, 843 players were selected by their respective NHL clubs — not a single one of them was <strong class='bbc'>Drew LeBlanc[/b]. As if that wasn't enough to discourage LeBlanc from continuing his hockey career, the following season (his Senior year) was cut short after suffering a devastating compound fracture in his left leg.
Although his name was never called at the NHL Entry Draft, he will finally get his opportunity with the Chicago Blackhawks — straight out of College and into the NHL playoffs. According to Chris Kuc, LeBlanc will report to Chicago and wear number 14. His contract expires on July 1st, 2013, and he will become a Restricted Free Agent. Per CBA rules, the Blackhawks could not give him a longer contract due to his age.
As disappointing as past June's have been for LeBlanc, perhaps this one will make up for all the lost time.
<center>You should follow me on twitter here or click the link below.
Follow @TonDeFra</center>
<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>QUICK LINKS[/b][/i]<span style='font-size: 10px'> (REFERENCES)</span>
Hockey's Future — HockeyDB — NCAA - Hobey Baker Memorial Award — Duluth News Tribune — The Blade
Click here to view the article
LeBlanc led all of Men's Division I Hockey in assists (38) and was seventh in points (50) in his fifth year at St. Cloud State. LeBlanc captained his team to an appearance in the Frozen Four in his final season, where they lost to Quinnipac in the Semi-finals. The 6-0, 195 pound center notched 147 points in 170 career games in the WCHA over five seasons.
Former St. Cloud State teammate Ben Hanowski spoke highly of LeBlanc several times, calling him the "heart and soul" of the team, and head coach Bob Motzko labeling him as a "terrific player and an even better person."
It's no surprise to hear former teammates and coaches singing high praises of LeBlanc considering his character was built on adversity, hard work, and humility which helped shape him into the leader he has become today.
From 2008-2011, LeBlanc was considered eligible for the NHL Entry Draft. During that time, 843 players were selected by their respective NHL clubs — not a single one of them was <strong class='bbc'>Drew LeBlanc[/b]. As if that wasn't enough to discourage LeBlanc from continuing his hockey career, the following season (his Senior year) was cut short after suffering a devastating compound fracture in his left leg.
Although his name was never called at the NHL Entry Draft, he will finally get his opportunity with the Chicago Blackhawks — straight out of College and into the NHL playoffs. According to Chris Kuc, LeBlanc will report to Chicago and wear number 14. His contract expires on July 1st, 2013, and he will become a Restricted Free Agent. Per CBA rules, the Blackhawks could not give him a longer contract due to his age.
As disappointing as past June's have been for LeBlanc, perhaps this one will make up for all the lost time.
<center>You should follow me on twitter here or click the link below.
Follow @TonDeFra</center>
<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>QUICK LINKS[/b][/i]<span style='font-size: 10px'> (REFERENCES)</span>
Hockey's Future — HockeyDB — NCAA - Hobey Baker Memorial Award — Duluth News Tribune — The Blade
Click here to view the article
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