Hobey Baker Watch

Story posted February 28, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Jeremy Ganes

There is just one week left in the regular season of the College Hockey season, as conference tournaments are just around the corner, which means candidates for College Hockey’s biggest individual award are running out of chances to put the finishing touches on their resume. Here are some of the hottest candidates for the Hobey Baker Award.

Taro Hirose, F Michigan State

The nation’s points leader is having a career-best year, and this just might be his best chance to win national recognition for his value. If we look at the Hobey Baker award as an MVP trophy, there may not be a player in the sport with more value to his team than Hirose. The Spartans score 2.97 goals per game this season, and Hirose serves as the main setup man for secondary offensive weapon, Patrick Khodorenko. His point total is significantly ahead of any other competitor for the award, and anyone who wants to challenge Hirose for it is going to have to put on a show in the last series of the season.

Alex Limoges, F Penn State

The Nittany Lions boast what is far and above the most prolific offense in the nation, with 4.69 goals per game and 150 total. That stands as three-fourths of a goal more than the next best offense, a mind-blowing amount of scoring for a team that may very well miss out on the NCAA tournament because of its lack of a defense. Limoges is a big part of why that offense is so dangerous, leading his team with 40 points. While his teammate Evan Barratt has slowed down considerably since the first half of the season, Limoges just kept his strong season rolling with five goals in three games, in which he faced Michigan and Minnesota. He also collected points in recent games against Michigan State and Wisconsin. He’ll look to complete his candidacy in a two-game series at Notre Dame.

Chase Priskie, D Quinnipiac

Priskie is having one of the best individual offensive seasons by any player this season, and he’s doing it as a defenseman, sitting just behind Odeen Tufto for second place on his team with 39 points. Tufto is another strong candidate for the award, but Priskie’s level of offensive production from his position is impressive in and of itself. Priskie has stayed hot in the home stretch of February, with a goal and an assist against St. Lawrence and two assists against Clarkson, in last weekend’s action. He can bolster his shot at the award with good showings against Brown and Yale in the regular season’s final weekend.

Blake Christensen, F American International

Christensen leads a more obscure American International team with 40 points, and is a sleeper in the race for College Hockey’s most prestigious award. The team has struggled with consistency this year, with 14 losses on the season, further highlighting the value someone like Christensen has for his team. He’s a big reason why American International boasts a top-ten offense in college hockey.

 

 

Jeremy Ganes is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jlg6097@psu.edu.