Sam Morton, a promising talent within the Flames organization, has recently been spotlighted as a top-10 finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. This announcement was made public on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in Morton’s career.
The nomination for the Hobey Baker Award, which is annually bestowed upon the leading player in NCAA Men’s Hockey, came as a delightful surprise to Morton. Hailing from Lafayette, Colorado, Morton expressed his gratitude for this recognition. He humbly attributed his success to his teammates, acknowledging their significant role in his achievement.
Throughout his college hockey journey, Morton showcased his skills in 144 games, playing for both Minnesota State and Union College. During this time, he impressively netted 47 goals and contributed to a total of 89 points. His outstanding performance, particularly in the recent season with Minnesota State, earned him the title of CCHA Player of the Year. Morton led the conference with 24 goals, alongside 10 assists, amassing 34 points in just 37 games.
At 24 years old, Morton has also demonstrated his prowess in other aspects of the game. He led in shots taken (149), faceoff victories (754), and power play goals (nine). His leadership qualities shone brightly as he captained the Mavericks to the semifinals of the Mason Cup.
Morton’s professional journey took a significant leap forward when he inked his first NHL contract with the Flames on January 18, set to commence in the 2024-25 season. Currently, he is gaining professional experience with the Wranglers on an ATO and made an immediate impact by recording his first professional point in a game against the Bakersfield Condors on March 19. Fans have the opportunity to see Morton in action again tonight as the Wranglers face off against the Condors at 7:00 p.m. MT, with tickets available for purchase.
As the race for the Hobey Baker Award progresses, the top-3 finalists will be unveiled on April 4, with the winner announced on April 12. Fans have the chance to support Morton in this prestigious accolade by participating in the fan vote.
This recognition not only highlights Morton’s exceptional talent and hard work but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting professional career in hockey.