The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- April 12, 1999

Krog is Hobey Baker winner; Pierce named Humanitarian

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Jason Krog enjoyed a 1999 campaign that most ice hockey players dream about.

A senior forward with the University of New Hampshire Wildcats, Krog led the nation in scoring, was a unanimous selection for the Hockey East Association Player of the Year and helped the Wildcats to their first Frozen Four berth.

On April 2, the 1999 campaign was made more memorable as Krog was named the recipient of collegiate hockey's most prestigious award, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. Krog was one of 10 finalists for the award, which is presented annually to the nation's outstanding college hockey player. Krog is the 19th recipient and first Wildcats player to earn the honor.

"We all know he's a great hockey player, but he's also a great leader," said New Hampshire coach Dick Umile. "On the ice or in the classroom, everyone looks up to Jason. He's respected by everyone as a hard worker in everything he does."

A native of Fernie, British Columbia, Krog concluded his collegiate career by registering 85 points, including 34 goals, in 41 games. He was instrumental in the Wildcats claiming the Hockey East regular-season title and earning a second consecutive berth in the Frozen Four.

"I thank my teammates for making the year so successful and enjoyable," said Krog. "I feel this award is just as much theirs as mine."

Krog was selected by a vote of an 18-member selection committee comprised of national print and broadcast media, college coaches, professional scouts and a member of USA Hockey.

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Also on April 2, Kristine Pierce, a senior defenseman for the Rochester Institute of Technology women's ice hockey team, was presented the 1999 Hockey Humanitarian Award. Pierce, who has spent much of her life serving as a volunteer to 24 organizations on nearly 200 occasions, received the award given in recognition of "college hockey's finest citizen."

The award was instituted in 1996 to honor the college hockey player who "best exemplifies the qualities of character, sportsmanship, and devotion to the game and to the community."

The first woman and first player from a non-Division I institution to receive the award, Pierce was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in December 1996. In August 1997, after six months of intensive chemotherapy and 21 consecutive days of radiation treatments, Pierce was pronounced cancer-free.

A native of Mendon, New York, Pierce's commitment on the ice was evident as she served as team captain for Rochester Institute of Technology, was an all-Eastern College Athletic Conference selection and a Division III all-American.

In the classroom, Pierce was presented with four scholarships, including the Bennett Scholarship for academic accomplishments and the Harriet Thayer Adams Scholarship for academic excellence.

Pierce's community involvement included serving as a volunteer for Big Brother-Big Sister, St. Martians and St. Joseph's soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, and the "Can I Make It" program where she counseled children with learning disabilities.

-- Stephen R. Hagwell