Hobey Baker Watch List: Week 12

Story posted January 26, 2016 in CommRadio, Sports by Zach Green

We are three quarters of the way through the regular season and the nation’s most elite hockey players are stepping up their games, as we near the conference tournaments.

1. Jimmy Vesey (LW, Harvard)

Jimmy Vesey is a man on a mission, determined to win the Hobey Baker. Vesey scored against Colgate last week in Harvard’s 4-2 victory, before recording two assists as the Crimson took down then No. 10 ranked Cornell. This week, all eyes are on the Beanpot semifinals, where Vesey and Harvard will take on Thatcher Demko and the Boston College Eagles. This is the perfect stage for Vesey to secure his Hobey Baker victory, as this is the most well-known regular season tournament in all of college hockey. The Crimson will also host Princeton on Friday Night.

2. Michael Garteig (G, Quinnipiac)

Michael Garteig has been the best goaltender in college hockey thus far. While logging almost every minute in net this year for the No.1 ranked Quinnipiac Bobcats, he has put up incredible numbers and is leading them to a birth in the NCAA Tournament. This Friday night, the Bobcats take on Dartmouth in a game that should help Garteig pad his stats atop the goaltending leaderboard. Much of his success should also be attributed to the defense in front of him, as they have been one of the top defensive units so far this year.

3. Kyle Connor (F, Michigan)

Kyle Connor now leads the nation in points per game. Last year’s first round pick in the NHL Entry Draft to the Winnipeg Jets has torn up college hockey in his first year. He picked up where Zach Hyman and Dylan Larkin left off, carrying his Michigan Wolverines to first place in the Big Ten. His raw speed and skating ability has allowed him to get behind the defense on numerous occasions. This weekend, him and the Wolverines travel to Happy Valley to take on Penn State in what is sure to be a high intensity matchup. Seeing as both teams are known for their high powered offense, he is sure to put up even more points this weekend.

Honorable Mentions:

Andrew Poturalski (F, New Hampshire) - Poturalski still leads the NCAA in points. Being set up by NCAA assist leader Tyler Kelleher does not hurt when New Hampshire needs a late goal.

Jake Guentzel (F, UNO) - This Pittsburgh Penguins prospect has helped lead Nebraska-Omaha up in the rankings with his consistent offense. He has set up 22 goals this year, many of which have been game winners that were scored by line mate Austin Ortega.

Thatcher Demko (G, Boston College) - Demko put up his NCAA leading seventh shutout this past weekend when Boston College defeated Massachusetts 8-0 on Friday Night. His defense has been playing better around him, which will help improve his statistics.

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