Hobey Baker Watch: Week 9
As the college hockey season reaches the new calendar year, the Hobey Baker Award is still up for grabs for college hockey’s most valuable player. The past winner, Cole Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, is thriving in the NHL, and hopefully the next winner will do the same. Here are some players to watch out for this week and for the rest of the season.
Jack Dugan, Providence
Jack Dugan is putting up phenomenal numbers for the Friars. He has 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 15 games, which leads the NCAA. Back in 2017, Dugan was drafted in the fifth round by the Vegas Golden Knights, and this was before he committed to Providence. Dugan is the type of player that seems to be in the right place at the right time. He gives his teammates easy passing lanes and generates lots of scoring opportunities. There is no question that this dynamic sophomore forward in in the mix for the Hobey Baker Award.
Tyler Madden, Northeastern
The Vancouver Canucks’ third-round pick is lighting the lamp like crazy. Tyler Madden is tied for the league lead in goals with 12 and currently has 22 points through 16 games. During his freshman year, Madden scored 28 points in 36 games with the Huskies, and he;s definitely going to set a new career high with his wicked wrist shot and smooth hands. The sophomore sniper is looking to lead Northeastern into its third-straight NCAA tournament.
David Farrance, Boston University
David Farrance is one of the best offensive defensemen in the country. He currently leads all defensemen with 21 points, a new career high. Farrance has a booming slapshot from the point and can also take the puck up the ice if needed. Farrance was part of the U.S. National U18 team in 2016-17 and won the gold medal. He led BU to an NCAA East hockey championship title and was also drafted 92nd overall by the Nashville Predators in 2017. Look for Farrance to step up in a big way for the Terriers this season. He can be best compared to John Carlson of the Washington Capitals.
Cole Caufield, Wisconsin
Along the line of pure goal scorers, Caufield has been on a roll with four goals and seven points in his last three games. Caufield was drafted in the first round, 15th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in 2019. He’s tied for 12th in the NCAA in points with 18 and is still climbing with the Badgers. Caufield’s biggest strength is his quick shot. He is so deceptive and so accurate in where he wants to put the puck, and once he gets that first step, there is no stopping him. Last year, when he was with the U.S. National Program, he scored 100 points in just 64 games. He is playing on a line with another first-round pick in Alex Turcotte, who was drafted fifth overall by the Los Angeles Kings. The dynamic duo has combined for 33 points.
Jacob Cheris is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jacobcheris19@gmail.com.
