ST. PAUL, Minn. - The day just kept getting better for Ryan Jones.
Hours after signing a deal with the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, the native of Chatham, Ont., was named as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given to the NCAA college hockey player of the year.
Jones captained the Miami of Ohio RedHawks to a school record 33 wins. He is tied for second with 31 goals, and added 18 assists in 42 games to rank seventh in points.
Nathan Gerbe of Boston College and Kevin Porter of Michigan are the other finalists.
The winner will be announced April 11 in Denver during the Frozen Four.
Earlier Wednesday, Jones signed a one-year deal with the Wild.
Jones was selected by Minnesota in the fourth round, 111th overall, of the 2004 NHL draft. He will be assigned to the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League.
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With files from The Associated Press