Hobey Baker Watch: March 2
It’s a little over one month away from the announcement of the Hobey Baker Award winner, which is set to be announced in April at the Frozen Four in Boston, Massachusetts. The end of hockey season is fast approaching, and the race is likely down to two candidates.
Bobby Brink, Forward, Denver
One of the most impressive players this season is Bobby Brink. Brink, the Denver Pioneers forward, is having quite the campaign. Brink is currently first in points with 50 and averages the most points per game with 1.56.
Brink is also first in assists with 37 and also averages the most assists per game with 1.16. Brink also has 13 goals this season, which isn’t bad at all.
Some of Brink’s best games of the season include a four-assist game against St. Cloud State back on Feb. 4. In Denver’s latest performance, a 6-4 loss on the road against Western Michigan, Brink scored a season-high two goals.
Brink, a junior forward, has a bright future ahead of him. The Philadelphia Flyers’ draft pick will certainly give the team a future to look forward to when he decides to join the NHL in hopes of helping the Philadelphia rebuild.
Yaniv Perets, Goaltender, Quinnipiac
Yaniv Perets is the best goaltender in college hockey. Perets, a native of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, has been lights out since joining the Quinnipiac Bobcats. Perets has maintained a 0.820 goals-against average, which makes him the leader in that category.
Perets also leads in save percentage. Perets has posted a .955 save percentage, which narrowly lands him first in that category.
Perets typically gives up one goal per game, though he has many shutouts with 11 on the season so far. Perets would be a welcomed addition to any NHL team, and there is little doubt that he will be a solid goaltender with Quinnipiac for more seasons to come as well.
There is so much to like about Perets. To be playing this well as a freshman in a different league after coming over from the BCHL’s Penticton Vees and simply dominating every game is incredible.
The most goals Perets has allowed is three, which was back against Arizona State in November and on Feb. 12 on the road against Clarkson.
Who Will Win The Award?
It’s difficult to tell which of these players, Brink or Perets, will win the Hobey Baker Award. It all comes down to not just performance on the ice, but also strength of character, including sportsmanship and academic achievement.
The safer bet is probably on Bobby Brink. A goaltender hasn’t won the award since 2001, when Ryan Miller won the award while at Michigan State.
Nolan Wick is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nhw5046@psu.edu.
