June 23, 1997
Baker Named USA Hockey Women's Player of the Year
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College sophomore center Laurie
Baker of Concord, Mass., has been named USA Hockey Women's Player
of the Year. Baker became the second Lady Friar to earn the award
as former PC star Cammi Granato was named Player of the Year in
1996. The USA Hockey Women's Player of the Year Award is
presented annually to the outstanding American-born women's ice
hockey player and is selected by a committee of America's leading
women's ice hockey coaches and administrators.
In April, Baker competed for the United States Women's National
Team, which captured the silver medal at the 1997 International
Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championship in Kitchener,
Ontario. She was tied for second on the team in scoring with two
goals and four assists in five games.
Baker, a 1997 First Team ECAC and New England Hockey Writer
All-Star selection, finished first in the ECAC in goals (36) and
second in points (58). In overall action, Baker scored 43 goals
and notched 28 assists in 30 games. Her 43 goals in 1996-97 ranks
second on PC's single season goal list.
In 1996-97, Baker helped guide the Lady Friars to a 20-8-2 mark
and a 17-4-1 record in ECAC action. In two seasons at Providence, Baker has registered 119 points (75
goals, 44 assists) in 60 games. Baker, a graduate of Lawrence Academy, is the daughter of David
and Sharyn Baker.
