Hobey Baker Watch: Week 2

Story posted October 19, 2018 in CommRadio, Sports by Matthew McClure

With many returning and incoming players coming into the hockey season, it’s very tough to pick a Hobey Baker Award winner so early on in the season. Let’s take a look at the five players who are looking to be a frontrunner for award in the 2018-19 college hockey season.

1.)  Quinn Hughes, D, Michigan

Hughes comes into the 2018-19 season with a chip on his shoulder, leading the Wolverines to a great 2017-18 season by getting them to the Frozen Four for the 11thtime in school history. In 37 games last year he recorded five goals and 24 assists for a total of 29 points. Hughes was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks with the No. 7 pick in the 2018 draft, but decided to stay because he has some unfinished business after last season’s heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame in the final moments in the Frozen Four. Expect Hughes to step up in a big way this season with more highlight-level plays.

2.)  Cale Morris, G, Notre Dame

In 2016-17, Notre Dame made the Frozen Four with Cal Peterson in between the pipes, and in the following season it looked like it was going to be very tough to replace him. Then came the emergence of Cale Morris. In 2017-18, Morris stepped right into the role and was a major piece in why the Irish won the Big Ten, and went to back-to-back Frozen Fours. In 37 games he put up a record of 27-8-1 with four shutouts. He was a top 10 finalist of the award last year, and look for him to be right in the mix this season. Morris started this season strong with a shutout win against Providence.

3.)  Jimmy Schdult, D, St. Cloud State

Schdult last season was one of the top defensemen in the country. In 40 games last season he recorded 10 goals and 28 assists for 38 points. The Huskies finished 25-9-6 and won the NCHC conference regular season championship and he was the main reason why. The Huskies have big expectations this season after a nice season last year. The Huskies captain, Schdult was a finalist for the award last season and expect the senior defensemen to have a big-time year.

4.)  Max Véronneau, F, Princeton and Ryan Kuffner, F, Princeton

This is a big year for the Princeton Tigers. Coming after a huge year last season, finishing 19-13-4 and winning the ECAC conference tournament championship, the dynamic duo of Véronneau and Kuffner look to have another big year. Both guys combined for 107 points and led the Tigers to an amazing year. Look for the senior forwards to have another strong year, and in April, these two forwards for the Tigers will be top 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award. The Tigers open their season against Penn State on Oct. 26 in Happy Valley. 

5.)  Dylan McLaughlin, F, Canisius

Since his first year at Canisius, McLaughlin has only gotten better. Although the Golden Griffins were 19-17-2, that didn’t stop the forward from Lancaster, New York. He racked up 48 points with 17 goals and 31 assists last season. The Golden Griffins are looking to have a stronger 2018-19, and with McLaughlin coming back for his senior season, look for the Golden Griffins to be better. McLaughlin finished eighth in all of college hockey in points last season, and is having a strong start this year after two nice games against Holy Cross last weekend. 

    

Matthew McClure is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mcm5964@psu.edu.