Two former members of the Penticton Vees are among the initial nominees for an award that honours college hockey's top player every season.

Aydar Suniev, who was drafted by the Calgary Flames after playing for Penticton, and Liam Malmquist are up for this year's Hobey Baker Award.

The Vees alumni represent two of the more than 90 players to crack the first nomination list.

Suniev played parts of the two seasons with the Vees, helping the BCHL club win back-to-back Fred Page Cup titles in 2022 and 2023.

The 20-year-old now plays for the University of Massachusetts and was selected by the Flames in the third round of the 2023 NHL draft.

Malmquist, 24, played with the Vees from 2019 to 2021.

The Edina, Minn., product recorded 64 points in 78 career regular-season games with Penticton. He's suited up for Minnesota's University of St. Thomas since the 2023-24 campaign.

On March 19, following a fan vote, the top 10 finalists for the award will be announced. People can cast their votes , until March 9.

The winner of the 2025 Hobey Baker Award will be revealed April 11.

Awarded 44 times since its creation, the annual honour recognizes the top men's college hockey player in the United States.

Last year's winner of the prestigious award was Boston University forward and British Columbia's own Macklin Celebrini, who was later selected by the San Jose Sharks first overall in the 2024 NHL draft.