Hobey Baker Watch: Week 18
We are so close to the end of the season, you can basically taste it at this point. A lot of stars did what they do best this past weekend. With that being said, who should be in serious talks for the Hobey Baker.
Adam Fantilli, Forward, Michigan
He’s simply insane. Fantilli would be the number one pick in any other draft, but just so happens to be behind a guy named Connor Bedard. He’s got 49 points in 27 games. Fantilli is dominant, there is no other way to put it.
He leads the NCAA in points per game with 1.81. He’ll find a way to score no matter what type of approach a team has to slow him down.
Sean Farrell, Forward, Harvard
Harvard isn’t just for academics, it’s for goal scoring too. Farrell has been great all season long for the Crimson, but down the stretch, he’s really turned up the heat. 46 points in 27 games is second in the NCAA, and his 29 assists are ranked within the top three.
Harvard has been steadily climbing up the rankings, and the Crimson can thank their high-powered offense led by Farrell.
Logan Cooley, Forward, Minnesota
It is so fun to watch Cooley unless he is dangling and skating his way through the entirety of your favorite team. That’s exactly what did last weekend against Penn State, racking up 6 points in those two games.
Cooley is so good on his edges, creating space and opportunities for his teammates. He is another player skyrocketing up the NCAA points leaderboard with 44 points in 31 games.
Lane Hutson, Defenseman, Boston University
Hutson just knows how to dominate the blue line in many ways. A breakout pass to create chances or loading up a shot from the point to find twine, Hutson does it best. Being seventh in the NCAA in total points as a defenseman isn’t easy, but he always finds a way on the scoresheet.
The freshman has 38 points in 29 games, and though the Terriers have slipped a bit recently, Hutson has continued to show fans that he could be with the Canadiens very soon.
Jason Polin, Forward, Western Michigan
Even though Polin’s crazy goal-scoring numbers have slowed down, he still leads the league with 26 goals. He is a big reason why the Broncos have reached No. 5 in the USCHO and have won four straight games. He’s been able to dish the puck pretty well too, tallying 14 assists.
Is goal-scoring good enough to win the Hobey Baker? Or will the voters be looking more at all-around play? Whether it's one or the other, Polin is a guy who you always have to look out for.
Anthony Desher is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acd5698@psu.edu.
