Hobey Baker Watch List: Week 13

Story posted February 1, 2016 in CommRadio, Sports by Zach Green

With the Bean Pot semifinals upon us, that signifies how close we are to the end of the season. This year’s Hobey Baker race is one of the most-wide open in history, as a multitude of players have a chance at winning college hockey’s most coveted individual award. Here’s who the top three are at this point in the season:

1. Jimmy Vesey (LW, Harvard)

Jimmy Vesey is who many believe is the odds on favorite to win the Hobey Baker. Harvard has not had as many games as most of the other teams have, however his points per game is right up there with Kyle Connor. To add onto that, he doesn’t have nearly as much support on his line that Connor has in JT Compher and Tyler Motte. Traditionally, the voters like to give the Hobey Baker to a senior, which Vesey fits the bill of. It will all come down to who plays the best down the stretch.

2. Kyle Connor (F, Michigan)

Last year was the first year in college hockey history that a freshman won the Hobey Baker. Michigan’s Kyle Connor hopes to make that two in a row. The Winnipeg Jets’ first round pick has set the college hockey world on fire this year, going on an absolute tear recently to vault into the lead of the NCAA’s point totals. With 1.83 points per game, it is clear to see why many believe that Connor has a good chance at taking the trophy home this year. This past weekend, he had seven points against Penn State. He will look to continue that this coming weekend when they take on Michigan State.

3. Michael Garteig (G, Quinnipiac)

Michael Garteig has had a spectacular year thus far for the Quinnipiac Bobcats. While being one of the best goaltenders in the NCAA, his Hobey Baker chances have begun to fall. There are two main problems that the voters will have with him. One being that the defense in front of him has been fantastic, because that would mean that Garteig has not needed to make any truly spectacular saves this year that you would expect out of the winner of the Hobey Baker. The other being that once again due to his defense, that he has not needed to make as many saves as the other goalies in the NCAA have needed to. While Garteig should make the top ten, his chances of winning the award are slipping.

Honorable Mentions

Andrew Poturalski (F, New Hampshire)- Poturalski was overtaken by Kyle Connor in the points race this year, but that shouldn’t slow him down in his quest to be named the best player in college hockey.

Colin White (F, Boston College)- Another freshman that has turned heads this year is Colin White. The Ottawa Senators first round draft pick has been carrying Boston College this year as they hope to secure another National Championship.

Jake Guentzel (F, UNO)- Austin Ortega is carrying the torch for the western conferences. He has been the best player in the NCHC and is carrying his Mavericks towards the NCAA tournament.

 

Zach Green is a sophomore majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email zag5035@psu.edu.