Michael Adkins has been chosen as this year’s Hobey Baker High School Character Award recipient.

Hobey Baker is widely considered to be the first US hockey star.  Each year the foundation that bears his name presents the Hobey Baker Memorial Award to the most outstanding collegiate hockey player in America.  In 2003 the Foundation established the High School Character Award to be presented to the player on each high school team that best embodies the Hobey Baker ideal that “character builds excellence.”  The award is not necessarily intended to go to the top player on the team, but rather to the individual who, in the opinion of the head coach, best displays the highest levels of integrity, positive attitude, coachability, outstanding sportsmanship, and community spirit.  Following its formal adoption by Rhode Island, teams began presenting the award in 2006.  Recipients of the award receive a personalized plaque from the Hobey Baker Foundation, and are publicly recognized during a Providence Bruins hockey game, and also by Rhode Island’s political leaders in a ceremony at the State House.

Michael is a skilled, power defenseman whose effectiveness is unmatched on the ice.  As the team’s top penalty killing defenseman, his value is most evident when the team is skating shorthanded because of a player in the penalty box.  He is nearly always available in those situations as he is rarely called for an infraction himself and that’s a difficult accomplishment for any defenseman given the nature of the position.  An important asset for any defenseman is having an effective shot from the blue line.  According to the coaches, Michael has been the player most dedicated to improving that aspect of his game throughout his four years on the squad.  In addition to being recognized for his talented play, his leadership both on and off the ice was acknowledged by his teammates as they elected him to serve as an alternate captain this season.  Michael’s perseverance and dedication to the sport of hockey and his team, is unsurpassed.  After suffering a life threatening injury in the final game of last season’s championship series, he recovered and worked to be ready to play at the start of the current campaign.  His drive and determination made this his most productive season on the ice.  A leader by example, his work both at the rink and in the classroom set him apart.  Outstanding academically, he is an honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society.  He is also an active participant in the school’s Patriots Committed program.  Michael became the assistant coach of the Newport Whalers Mite hockey team for his senior project.  In that capacity he not only learned valuable coaching skills, but in an even important aspect, he was able to serve the community as a volunteer, and also pass on his own hockey skills to the youngest players in the game.  Michael is looking forward to enrolling at the University of Vermont next fall where he will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Michael will be honored for his accomplishment, along with the other Hobey Baker award recipients from all the Rhode Island high school hockey teams, during the intermission at the Providence Bruins game with Lehigh Valley this Sunday, March 5 at the Dunkin Donuts Center at 3:05 pm.  The awardees will also be recognized by Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo at a special event at the state capital building at a date and time yet to be announced.

Patriots’ hockey players, their families, friends, and fans are encouraged to attend the P-Bruins game to show their support for Michael at this event.  If you did not previously order your tickets through Coach Monahan, you can still get tickets to sit with Portsmouth’s team directly from the Providence Bruins.  Contact Mr. Eric Charles at 401-680-4710 until Friday, March 3, at 1200 pm.

For a list of all the former Portsmouth Patriots players to receive the Hobey Baker High School Character Award, click on the page heading of the same name in the menu at the top of this site’s Home Page.  There you will also find links to information about Hobey Baker himself, the foundation that bears his name, and the awards it presents in his honor.

Congratulations to Michael Adkins on receiving this distinguished award.