Max Dooley has been named the Portsmouth Hockey Team’s 2020 recipient of the Hobey Baker High School Character Award.

 

Hobey Baker is widely considered to have been the first US hockey star.  The foundation that bears his name is best known for presenting the Hobey Baker Memorial Award to the most outstanding collegiate hockey player in America each year.  The award is the hockey equivalent of collegiate football’s Heisman Trophy.  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 will be publicly recognized  by Rhode Island’s political leaders in a ceremony at the State House on February 18, and during the Providence Bruins game at the Dunk on March 8.

 

 Max easily stands out as the Portsmouth hockey player that best exemplifies the ideals of Hobey Baker.

 

One of the team’s best players, he has centered the second line this season to provide balance to the Patriots offense.  He naturally brings out the best in his teammates performance and every player is better on the ice when paired with Max.

 

Always seeking to improve his value to the team, he is exceptionally receptive to the coaching staff’s directions, and to their suggestions as he continually strives to improve his already remarkable hockey skills.

 

Recognized for his leadership abilities he has served as an alternate captain for two seasons.  In that role he has done an outstanding job of building team cohesion and fostering a positive outlook for his squad through both adversity and success.

 

Max is also much more than just a hockey player and his drive for excellence extends well beyond the rink.  He is a star in the classroom and carries a challenging course load which includes several advanced placement classes.  His academic prowess is clearly evident as an Honor Roll student and as a member of the National Honor Society.  He is looking forward to attending a university after graduation to undertake a pre-medical course of study in hope of one day becoming a doctor.

 

Civic minded, he has served as his class’ representative to his school’s student council all four years of high school.  Perhaps most importantly, though, he has a keen interest in supporting young people with disabilities.  In line with this, for his Senior Capstone Project he organized and directed the annual Robin’s Nest hockey exhibition to benefit a local organization that provides life skills education to young adults with special needs.  The event was the most successful to date and raised over $6,000 for the charity.

 

There is no finer or more deserving individual to receive this award than Max Dooley. He embodies all of the qualities the name Hobey Baker, and the organization that bears his name, stands for.

 

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 any page on this website.  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 Max Dooley on receiving this distinguished award.