Hobey Baker Watch: Week 22

Story posted March 21, 2023 in CommRadio, Sports by Anthony Desher

We’re down to 10 players for the Hobey Baker award, covering all the positions on the ice. Over the next few weeks before the winner is announced, let’s take a look at each candidate and what they bring to the table.

Blake Pietila, Goaltender, Michigan Tech

Even though the team fell short in the CCHA tournament, Pietila has put up amazing numbers all season long. His record sits at 23-10-3 and ten of those wins were shutouts. While leading the NCAA in shutouts, he’s also posted a .929 save percentage and a 1.99 goals-against average.

Pietila is also a big reason why Michigan Tech is so good on the defensive side of the puck. The Huskies are fourth in the league when it comes to goals against per game, only allowing 2.1. They have the fourth-best penalty kill, which clicks at 86.3%, and they’ve only let in 80 goals all season long, which is seventh in the NCAA.

Yaniv Perets, Goaltender, Quinnipiac

Speaking of dominant goalies, Perets has been nothing short of spectacular this year. The backbone of a highly successful Bobcat team. He leads the NCAA in wins with 30 in 37 games, seven more than the next guy, who just so happens to be Pietila. The sophomore has posted a .929 save percentage and an impressive 1.52 goals against average with nine shutouts.

Quinnipiac didn’t lift any hardware at the end of its conference’s tournament, but a hot goalie just might get the Bobcats far when the NCAA tournament starts. Quinnipiac has only let in 59 goals this year and also has the league’s best 1.6 goals against per game.

Lane Hutson, Defenseman, Boston University

47 points on the year have him seventh in the NCAA, completely surrounded by forwards. The freshman has netted 14 goals, leading defenseman in the category. The 33 assists he’s tallied emphasize his ability to find teammates and create scoring chances.

During Boston University’s championship match with Merrimack, Hutson put the team on his back and fired the overtime-winning goal to lift the Terriers to their 10th Hockey East title. The Canadiens are set for a huge youth movement in the near future, and with Hutson performing as well as he is, the Habs can be back in the playoff conversation sooner than you may think.

Sean Farrell, Forward, Harvard

Tied for third in the league in points, Sean Farrell has had a season to remember. His playmaking ability is complemented by his vision and skating, making him a threat in the offensive zone. He can score and dish the puck with ease, and with 20 goals and 32 assists, that point is proven quite well.

Harvard is in a prime position to go on a huge run in the NCAA tournament with its highly skilled offense, and if Farrell can continue to dominate, the Crimson might be lifting some hardware in April.

Anthony Desher is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acd5698@psu.edu.