Hobart junior forward Tanner Daniels was named one of 12 finalists for the 2024-25 Sid Watson Award which is given annually to the best NCAA Division II-III men's ice hockey player in the country. The American Hockey Coaches Association presents the award.
 
Eleven of this year's 12 finalists received one of the major awards from their conference (Player of the Year, Goalie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year), including Daniels. The recipient of this year's Sid Watson will be announced during this year's final four.
 
The Sid Watson Award is given annually to the country's best NCAA Division II-III men's ice hockey player. Sponsored by the AHCA, the Watson Award honors the memory of former Bowdoin College Head Coach and Athletic Director Sid Watson. A three-time AHCA Coach of the Year, Watson served Bowdoin for more than 30 years.
 
Daniels is the third Sid Watson finalist for Hobart in as many seasons. Luke Aquaro and Artem Buzoverya were the runners-up in the 2023 and 2024, respectively.
 
The New England Hockey Conference's Player of the Year, Daniels has played in all 28 games this season He leads the Statesmen with 18 goals, 21 assists and 39 points. Daniels is fifth in the nation in game-winning goals (5) and ninth in short-handed goals (2). Additionally, he is ninth in points per game (1.39), 11th in goals per game (0.65) and 28th in assists per game (0.75). He was named the NEHC Tournament's Most Valuable Player, recording three goals and two assists in the conference tournament.
 
Daniels has played in 85 career games. He has 79 points on 33 goals and 46 assists. A two-time national champion, he was also named to the NEHC All-Tournament team in 2023.
 
Hobart, which is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the USCHO.com Poll, will begin its quest for a third straight national title on Saturday, March 22, when it welcomes seventh-ranked Trine to The Cooler. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets will be $6 for adults, $4 for students with ID and $3 for children ages 3-11, children two and under get in free. HWS students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid OneCard courtesy of HWS Athletics and the SAA. All tickets must be purchased at the door and sales will be cash only. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.