Hobey Baker Watch: Week 2

Story posted October 14, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Logan Bourandas

While it may be a tad too early to take a deep dive into this award race, we’re going to do it anyway.

College hockey is officially in full swing so it’s a great time to look at how some of the favorites for the Hobey Baker Award have been playing to open up the season.

Luke Hughes, D, Michigan

The Wolverines continue to be a powerhouse despite losing a lot of talent prior to the new year.

Owen Power and Matty Beniers made the jump to the next level leaving Hughes as one of the remaining big stars from last season.

During the Wolverines opening series against Lindenwood, Hughes picked up an assist in the second game of the series and rallied off eight shots in the opening game.

Hughes picked up 39 points during his freshman campaign a year ago.

Logan Cooley, F, Minnesota

That’s right, we’re staying in the Big Ten.

Cooley was one of the more highly touted prospects in college hockey and was drafted third overall by the Arizona Coyotes during the spring.

Throughout the first four games during the season, Cooley has lived up to the hype.

Cooley has two goals and three assists to tie for the team lead in points to open up the year.

Devon Levi, G, Northeastern

Finally leaving the Big Ten conference, let’s talk about the best goaltenders coming into the season.

Levi won the National Rookie of the Year Award last year with an impressive statline and is following that up strongly.

Through the first three games of the season, Levi has won each game while allowing just four total goals.

Levi’s best performance came against LIU where he made 31 saves in a one-goal win.

Riese Gaber, F, North Dakota

Arguably the strongest returner in North Dakota’s forward group, Gaber’s season got off to a nice start.

Gaber already took a big step forward in the prior year with 21 points last season.

In this year’s opening series against Holy Cross, Gaber scored a goal on opening night to help North Dakota to a weekend sweep.

North Dakota only allowed one goal in the season opening win.

 

Logan Bourandas is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.