Alirghty…Now, that I've discussed
my Honorable Mentions and
my "Bubblers" for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, here are the players I would be surprised to see left off the Top Ten and my top two…
Garrett Roe – St. Cloud State – So – F – 13, 27 – Coming off an impressive rookie season compiling 45 points this Kings prospect picked up right where he left off. Last year he finished second in rookie scoring and at present he is second in scoring for all skaters in the nation with 14g, 29a – 43 points in 32 games including 8 power play goals. He's small in stature, but has a lot of speed and creativity with the puck. He picked up the slack for the Huskies when Ryan Lasch got off to a slow start this season and has kept up the pace. Like Leitch and Lamoureux, SCSU is a non-ranked team, but unlike them Garrett plays in a much more competitive conference and therefore his points carry more weight since they come against tougher opponents. I don't think he'll be in the final three but he should be in the Top 10.
Brad Thiessen – Northeastern – Jr – G – Brad is without a doubt the Huskies most valuable player this season and his ability to make key saves and keep his team in the game is why Northeastern is receiving so much national attention heading into the final stretch of the season. Unfortunately, his stats (.929 save percentage and 2.25 GAA with a record of 20-8-2) aren't all that fabulous, but he does face a tremendous amount of shots on a nightly basis and provides a calming influence between the pipes that filters out to the rest of his teammates. There are some people predicting him to win the Hobey, but at this point, I don't see him making it to the final three unless he completely dominates the last three weeks of the season against BU, UMass-Lowell and BC.
Brock Bradford – Boston College – Sr – F - Last season, Brock broke his arm at the start of the season, came back in late December, played four games and then broke it again in the same spot. He remained a very active member of the team despite his injured status and as a reflection of that was voted by his teammates as this year's captain. A leader by example both on and off the ice, this Bruins' prospect is a go-to guy that's able to provide big time scoring opportunities. When the game's on the line, you want the puck on his stick. Brock's got 19g, 13a – 32 points in only 28 games and if BC were having a better season, he would be a lock for the Hobey Hat Trick. Should the Eagles remember how to win again, Brock's stock will certainly rise.
Ben Scrivens – Cornell – Jr – G – Ben has been one of the more dominate goalies this year,, continuing his excellent play from last season, but as of late his Hobey stock is dropping as Cornell has gone on a bit of a slide these past few weeks going 2-5-1 in the process. He still boasts a .940 save percentage and a 1.62 GAA over 25 games, but that just goes to show you how awesome his stats were BEFORE he let in a boat load of goals these past few weeks. His 6 shutouts thus far this season haven't hurt either, which also leads the nation. He should definitely be a finalist, but the spot that many have reserved for him in the Hobey Hat Trick could be up for grabs.
Matt Gilroy – Boston Univeristy – Sr – D – I can't say enough about how awesome this guy is. His stats aren't anything to write home about with 5g, 16a – 21 points in 30 games (although as a defenseman, they're not half bad), but what a leader. I truly feel that BU is as cohesive as it is because of Matt's leadership both on and off the ice. He is a tremendous example of perseverance and dedication to success. He had the chance to sign with an NHL team last year, but because of an extreme sense of loyalty to a team/coach that gave him a chance when no one else would, the opportunity to win a national championship, play with his younger brother – Kevin – and earn a college degree, he decided to stay for his final year at BU. He is a true role model in every sense of the word. I don't think he'll win the Hobey, but I sure would be happy if he did.
Now…for my top two…These guys are, in my opinion, locks for the Hobey Hat Trick.
Jamie McBain – Wisconsin – Jr – D - With 7g, 27a - 34 points in 30 games, this Carolina prospect is one of the biggest reasons Wisconsin has managed to climb back into the national polls. He is without question a bonafied rockstar. Last year Jamie led the Badger defensive corps in points and this season he leads the whole team and, in fact, the entire WCHA in points (reminder…HE'S A DEFENSEMAN!!). Appointed an assistant captain prior to the season as the only upperclassman left on the blueline for Wisconsin, he's got a heck of a shot, great vision on the ice and is excellent positionally . On the flip side, he's not just an offensive defenseman as he is the Badgers go-to guy especially on the PK logging 25+ minutes a game. He has been incredibly consistent all season long playing in all situations and I don't expect him to let up on the gas any time soon. His stock will continue to rise as Wisconsin climbs the rankings.
Colin Wilson – Boston University – So – F – Simply put – I will be shocked if he doesn't win the Hobey. Colin can take over a game and what's even better is he makes the players around him even better. He netted his first collegiate hat trick on Friday night against Maine and was the best player for BU in the Beanpot Championship game with three assists. He is currently fourth in the country in scoring with 13g, 27a – 40 points in only 28 games after missing time to participate in the WJCs. This Predators' prospect has been incredibly consistent this year, picking up right where he left off last year as the Hockey East Rookie of the Year. He is hard working, attacks the net, mobile, has great vision, great hands, an adept passing ability and is absolutely driven to succeed. He is, in my opinion, by far the best collegiate hockey player this season.
If you follow college hockey you might notice that there are a few noteable players missing from my list and that is simply because they weren't nominated. If you're a Denver fan, you will also notice that NO ONE from DU was even nominated. With players like Anthony Maiani (36 points in 30 games - good for 7th in the country), Tyler Bozak and Rhett Rakhshani, I'd have to assume that's an error on their part - maybe the missed the deadline to submit nominees. Whatever the case might be, it wouldn't change my top two or my winner but it would cause some issues in my top ten.
The competition for Rookie of the Year (although there isn't one nationally, both of these guys should win the award in their respective conferences) is between two guys, neither of whom are Hobey nominees, but both of whom are kicking butt and taking names.
Jordan Schroeder – Minnesota – Fr – F – 12g, 22a – 34 points in only 26 games after participating in the WJCs as an 18 year old. Jordan's draft eligible this summer and should go in the first round. He's small but quick and very crafty with the puck.
Kieran Millan – BU – Fr – G – 19-1-1 .928 1.67 GAA - Passed over in the draft last summer, Kieran is one of the key components to BU's success this year as his stats and record indicate. He's a very calm goalie that inspires confidence in the guys playing in front of him.
That's all for my Hobey Hopefuls. If you'd like to vote or find out more information about the Hobey Baker Memorial Award or the man it was named after, visit
www.hobeybaker.com. I'll be talking more about my Top Ten as the season wears on, but for tomorrow, I'll be sharing some thoughts on the NHL since I haven't done that in awhile.
Till Then! :)
Julie
[email protected]
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