Boston University’s Eichel gets Tim Taylor Award as nation’s top rookie

Boston University’s Jack Eichel is third nationally with 26 goals entering the national championship game (photo: Melissa Wade).

Jack Eichel’s afternoon of hardware Friday started with the Tim Taylor Award as the top rookie in Division I men’s college hockey.

Eichel, the Boston University freshman who on Friday was named the winner of the Hobey Baker Award, leads the nation with 70 points.

The Tim Taylor Award, announced by the Hockey Commissioners Association, is based on a vote of assistant coaches.

In addition to leading the country in points and assists (44), Eichel is tied for third with 26 goals.

He was named Hockey East’s player and rookie of the year, becoming the first player since Maine’s Paul Kariya in 1993 to win both awards.

Expected to be among the top two picks in this summer’s NHL draft, Eichel will first play in the national championship game against Providence on Saturday.