Albert Lea High School senior Casey Schumaker was recently named a recipient of the 2004 Hobey Baker Character Award.

The award, given for the first time this year, is presented to Minnesota high school senior hockey players who demonstrate exemplary character and sportsmanship.

According to ALHS boys’ hockey coach Roy Nystrom, Schumaker is very deserving of the honor.

&uot;Because he’s got great character,&uot; said Nystrom. &uot;That’s basically what the award is all about, is character, and he’s got it.&uot;

Schumaker played wing for the Tigers, who finished 20-11 this past season while winning their first-ever section championship and finishing fourth in the Class A state tournament.

Also, Schumaker was selected to represent Section 1A and 1AA in the Great Eight High School Hockey Festival March 26-28 at Wacouta Arena in South St. Paul. The festival consists of 136 graduating seniors throughout Minnesota, nominated by their coach and voted on by all section coaches to form eight Class A and Class AA teams.

The festival runs three days, with each team playing one game a day. The Section 1 team will play its first game at 8:30 p.m. tonight.

Schumaker is the son of Pete and Janet Schumaker.