If you missed it,
here's the link to the first installment of this blog and a look at my Hobey Honorable Mentions. The following players are on my bubble list, ranking somewhere between 15th and 8th on my list. They could be in the Top Ten, or not, depending on how the last month of the season pans out for them.
Ryan Lasch – St. Cloud State – Jr – F - A Hobey Baker Finalist last year, Ryan had a VERY slow start to the season, but he's been making up for lost time earning 14 points in eight games and the Hockey Commissioners' Association National Division I Player of the Month for January and currently has 17g, 20a – 37 pts in 32 games. He's a hard worker who battles along the boards and has a tremendous playmaking ability. Although he's having a great season and is currently seventh in scoring nationally, he's being outshined by a teammate who's been more consistent and therefore I don't think he'll get as much consideration this year as he did last year.
Zane Kalemba – Princeton – Jr - G - A Jersey native, Zane doesn't see many shots as the Tigers play excellent team defense, but when one does manage to sneak through, chances are he's going to stop it. He's got a .935 save percentage and 1.67 GAA in 24 games. He's ranked third in the country for save percentage and his team has been consistently ranked in the national polls and the only reason I can think of as to why more people aren't talking about him in regards to Hobey consideration is that there are other goalies out there who have proven to be more instrumental to their teams success. Zane would have to stand on his head and steal a few games for the Tigers to get more serious consideration. Unfortunate, but true
Jordan Pearce – Notre Dame – Sr – G - Jordan is a quiet guy, but don't let that fool you. He's a fierce competitor. He has been instrumental to the quick rise of the Fighting Irish these past four years into national prominence backstoping them to the national championship game last spring. Currently, he boasts a .927 save percentage and 1.81 GAA after 30 games. He really is a teriffic goalie and I think he'd be getting more recognition if the team in front of him weren't so talented offensively. The focus he shows on the ice is also evident in the classroom as he's a pre-med student with a 3.9 GPA.
Viktor Stalberg – Vermont – Jr – F – This Maple Leafs prospect is making the most of his opportunities in Burlington becoming the Hockey East Player of the Month for Januray for his 12 points in 9 games. Ranking in the Top 20 in scoring nationally with 20g, 14a – 34 pts in 28 games, his Hobey stock has risen as Vermont has climbed the rankings. Coincidence? I think not, as the success of each go hand in hand. He's a big player who doesn't take any crap, has great speed - especially for a big guy - and is quite the sniper. His stock could really skyrocket if he keeps this up and the leads the Catamounts to the NCAA tournament.
Aaron Palushaj – Michigan – So – F – Last year as a freshman, Aaron was overlooked by many because of the overwhelming success of Michigan's top line, but this year he has shined. We all saw what this Blues prospect is capable of during the WJCs, but incase you weren't paying attention, he's an all around player with quick hands and doesn't mind mucking it up in the corners when he has to. He posted a career best Friday night against Nebraska-Omaha with a a goal and four assists bringing his totals for the season up to 10g, 30a – 40 points in 30 games. If he keeps this up he could easily end up in the Top Ten.
James van Riemsdyk – New Hampshire – So – F – Sometimes I feel James gets a bad rap for his "lackluster" year thus far at UNH – as much as you can call 31 points in 26 games lackluster – because he has only scored 10 goals this year. Many people expected a lot from him last year as the No2. Overall pick in the draft with all his offensive potential, but gave him a bit of a pass as he adjusted to college life as a freshman. This year the expectations were still there and while he's had a great year and leads his team in points, many people expected him to be more dominant, to be able to completely take over a game and win it single handedly, but that's not his style. His skills might be flashy, but his personality is certainly not. He's a very humble guy who is a team player through and through, which is why he dutifully does the job he's asked to do at UNH – play center as opposed to the wing – putting him in a playmaker role rather than a finisher which greatly effects his scoring opportunities. Example, he had a much better showing at the WJCs, where he played wing. He's still a rockstar in my book and if put in the right situation to do what he does best, he'll live up to expectations. I'm just not certain he'll make the cut as a Hobey Finalist this year.
Carter Camper – Miami – So – F – Carter has been extremely consistent for the RedHawks with 18g, 18a – 36 points in 29 games and is on his way to topping his 41 point season as a freshman. He went undrafted because of his small frame and unwillingness to go to the dirty areas on the ice, but he's worked on becoming a more complete player, has become a great faceoff guy and his finesse with the puck hasn't hurt either. His name doesn't have as much pull as some others on this list (although it does roll off the tounge quite easily!), but he deserves to be considered as a finalist.
Jacques Lamoureux – Air Force – So – F – He falls into the same "Big fish, Little pond" category as Bryan Lietch, but Jacques' incredible story trumps the weak conference he plays in. Remember, this award also considers character. A few years ago Jacques was so depressed that he contemplated suicide, but he made the choice to live. Because of his psychological issues, Air Force could not accept him, so he played a year at Northern Michigan until Air Force could accept him and then sat last year out because of NCAA transfer rules. This year, Jacques ranks third in the country in scoring with 25g, 16a – 41 points in 30 games and leads the nation in power play goals with 12. Having been what he's been through, Jacques has become an incredible leader on and off the ice.
I'll be back tomorrow with my Top 7 and my choice for the winner :)
Till then, here's a video from the Chicago Blackhawks to help you get through your Monday!
Julie
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