Boston University freshman Jack Eichel added to his legendary season with the 2015 Hobey Baker Award, announced Friday at Matthews Arena.

Eichel (N. Chelmsford, Mass./U.S. NTDP) could cap his magical year with his ultimate prize, the national championship, Saturday night. First, he became just the second freshman to win the Hobey after Maine’s Paul Kariya in 1992-93. He was also named a first-team American Hockey Coaches’ Association All-American and the national Rookie of the Year.

Considered a top-two pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, Eichel entered college hockey as one of the sport’s most heralded recruits of all time. He lived up to those lofty expectations from the start, producing offensive numbers that haven’t been seen by a freshman since Kariya.

He had points in his first 10 games, racing to a national scoring lead that he would never relinquish. A three-point night Thursday against North Dakota gave him 70 on the season and a 1.79 points per game average. He also leads the nation in plus/minus at +51.

Despite his instant impact, Eichel is quick to credit the BU coaching staff and NCAA-level competition for helping him improve during the course of the season.

“One of the reasons I wanted to play college hockey was playing against older, stronger guys on a nightly basis,” said Eichel. “I think it’s really going to help me in the long run, making sure I’m competing for every loose puck, moving my feet and avoiding hits when I can.”

Early morning visitors to Agganis Arena could often see Eichel and a handful of teammates on the ice, working on their games individually before that day’s classes. Off the ice, in the weight room, he developed his strength.

Drafted twice in the QMJHL, and considered a nearly sure-fire NHLer next season, Eichel was never considered a sure bet to play college hockey. But he maintained the commitment to BU that he had made to former head coach Jack Parker. Part of the motivation, he explained, was the opportunity to represent his school for the first time in his playing career.

“I love it here – every day’s been something special,” Eichel said. “It’s definitely a dream come true. There’s a lot of tradition here and it’s a great group of guys. The campus life, going to school here and getting to meet a lot of new people has been a lot of fun.”