It continues to be a season of “firsts” for Penn State men’s hockey.

Two skaters were announced as finalists today for the 2015 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, college hockey’s edition of the Heisman Trophy. The award recognizes the best player in college hockey, but is decided by fan vote.

Forwards and linemates Casey Bailey and Taylor Holstrom were nominated for the award, becoming the first two Nittany Lions ever to earn that distinction.

Casey Bailey (11 G, 8 A) is tied for 28th in the nation with 19 points and tied for 11th in goals. Holstrom (4 G, 14 A) is tied for 38th in points and 10th in assists. Holstrom has tallied assists on many of Bailey’s goals, and it’s safe to say the two have helped each other out in finding national recognition.

The duo helped Penn State to its first-ever national ranking this season, although the team has since fallen from the Top 20. Also, Bailey and Holstrom received recognition alongside one another earlier in the season, as they were named the Big Ten’s First and Third Stars of the Week respectively, following a weekend series split against No. 4 UMass-Lowell.

Most of the biggest names in college hockey are present on the list of 59 players, including the nation-leading points scorer and projected top NHL draft pick Jack Eichel of Boston University. An interesting omission is Michigan’s Dylan Larkin, who is the leading scorer in Big Ten play early in the season, and was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Red Wings last summer. Still, the award is decided by fan vote, so it isn’t exactly a talent contest.

Fans are allowed one vote per 24 hours, so head here and help Bailey or Holstrom take home the award.

Photo: Mark Selders