Hughes honored to represent UMD as a Patty Kazmaier finalist

University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) women’s hockey Senior Gabbie Hughes gathered with friends and family for the 2022 Patty Kazmaier Award selection show. Which was broadcasted live on NHL Network Saturday morning.

Hughes was UMD’s first top 3 finalist since 2017.

Unfortunetly it was the Minnesota Gophers Taylor Heise that got the award, still being nominated meant the world to Hughes.

"Today was awesome having my teammates here, all the staff, my family was even able to come. People were texting me it was an unbelievable morning, I am not much of an attention person but having the support was huge. It made the morning super special. To be involved with it and the show they put on was super cool, and super special for women’s hockey not just me personally," said Gabbie Hughes.

"I have known Gabbie since she was 15 years old. So to watch how she has grown and develop into the woman that she is now, they way she represents this program and this community it’s tremendous," added head coach Maura Crowell.

The Bulldog’s have had just seven top-3 Kaxmaier finalists in program history. Hughes finished out the season with 59 points, 22 goals, and 37 assist.