For those of you new to the college hockey scene…Every year the Hobey Baker Memorial Award is presented to the best collegiate hockey player. Previous winners include current Capitals' GM George McPhee (Bowling Green - 1982), St. Louis's Paul Kariya (Maine - 1993), New York's Chris Drury (Boston University - 1998), Buffalo's Ryan Miller (Michigan State - 2001) and Philadelphia's Matt Carle (Denver - 2006).
This is not just an award for the player with the most points or best save percentage, but rather recognizes a player who best exemplifies "strength of character both on and off the ice, contribution to the integrity of the team and displays outstanding skills in all phases of the game" with consideration also given to scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.
When I think of a Hobey Baker winner, I think of someone who is a game changer, instrumental to his team's success. Someone with not only the skill to be a difference maker but also the leadership abilities to say to his teammates "Don't worry boys…we got this" and then actually back it up and provide that calming confidence when it's needed most. Someone who his teammates can respect and admire for his commitment to the sport and also the team, always giving 100%.
Earlier this year, teams submitted their nominations for the Hobey with every team able to submit up to three names. This year's list of nominees tops out at 73 and after the initial voting process, the field will be whittled down to the Top Ten on March 19th followed by another round of voting and the announcement of the Hobey Hat Trick – the top three finalists – on April 2nd followed by another round of voting and the announcement of the winner on April 10th in Washington, DC at the Frozen Four televised live on ESPNU.
Here are my thoughts on some of the candidates:
Honorable Mentions:
Chay Genoway – North Dakota – Jr – D – Leading his team in points with 2 goals and 26 assists for 28 points in 31 games, Chay surprised just about everyone with his great performance this year. Everyone knew the Fighting Sioux would have to change their usually skilled attack to more of a grind it out style and Chay has done his part to get pucks to the net (hence all the assists) and plays a very aggressive style. I'm definitely a fan of what he brings to the table, but when it comes to offensive defenseman at the college level I can't say he tops my list.
Andrew Volkening – Air Force – Jr – G – I noticed the tremendous ability for Andrew to completely take control of a game last year in the NCAA tournament. His team didn't make it past regionals, but he certainly made a name for himself in the process. All eyes were on him as the Falcons started the season on an incredible winning streak. Although the team has faltered a bit, Andrew has been doing his best to hold the fort with a .919 save percentage and 1.95 GAA in 30 games. He is by far a key component to Air Force's success and has proven that he can come up big in high pressured situations as Air Force aims for a third conference championship and subsequent NCAA appearance in a row, but there are better goalies out there in regards to Hobey consideration.
Louie Caporusso – Michigan – So – F – Unnoticed as a freshman last year, Louie has really stepped up his game this year to fill the offensive void for the Wolverines. He's not a big guy, but what he lacks in size this Senators prospect makes up for in speed. He's already surpassed his totals from last year with 22g, 15 a – 37 points in 32 games after solidifying a spot on the PP. His speed allows him to avoid hits in the corners and to transition the puck up ice very well. He's a quality player for certain, but not quite at the level of a Hobey finalist…yet.
Ryan Stoa – Minnesota – Jr – F – An all-around player who is a leader on and off the ice, Ryan has bounced back from a so-so season last year to lead the Gophers in points and goals with 16g, 18a – 34 pts in 27 games this year. The Avalanche prospect uses his 6'3'' frame to battle in front of the net and has no problem getting physical. He is a solid player that will make his way to the NHL. I had high hopes for him at the start of the season to be a lock for this list, but now my only problem with Ryan is that if I had to pick someone from Minnesota to be a Hobey Finalist it would be his linemate, freshman
Jordan Schroeder, who is notably absent from the list of nominees. (On a side note, Blake Wheeler would have this thing locked up if he hadn't passed on his senior season and headed to Boston...but I digress...)
Bryan Leitch – Quinnipiac – Sr – F – The nation's leading scorer at the moment averaging 1.60 points a game and leads the country in assists – 9g, 39a – 48pts in 30 games – it's hard to ignore Brian, but it's a whole lot easier when he plays in the ECAC…Big fish, little pond. I give him major props for being such a great student (3.36 GPA majoring in history) and for all the work he does in the community (including shaving his head for charity) and if the Q were having a better season (currently 7th in the conference and hovering around .500) he might have a better chance at being recognized, but as it stands…no dice.
I'll be back later with my "Bubblers" the guys ranking between 6-15 on my list...
Till then...
Jules
[email protected]
Join the Discussion:
»