Hobey Baker Watch: Week 4
Another week of college hockey means another edition of the Hobey Baker Watch.
We’re just 121 days away until the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Committee announces the recipient. In this week’s watch, we’re discussing the guys between the pipes, yes, the potential goalies who could win the prestigious award.
Jack LaFontaine, Minnesota University
Jack LaFontaine has emerged as one of college hockey’s best goalies since elevating his game to a new level down the stretch of last season.
LaFontaine leads all goalies in wins this season with a perfect 7-0 record in seven starts, along with being fifth in the country in goals-against average at 1.14 and fourth in save percentage at .959. In Lafontaine’s last four starts, he’s only given up a total of four goals.
LaFontaine plays with a sense of comfortability between the pipes, never getting fazed by opponents and rarely gives up a juicy rebound. LaFontaine’s play in net has had a huge impact on Minnesota's first half dominance in the Big Ten.
Spencer Knight, Boston College
Spencer Knight is undoubtedly the best young American goalie since the Anaheim Ducks drafted John Gibson No. 39 overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.
So far in four appearances, Knight has posted a 4-0 record with back-back shutouts versus Providence. The hype surrounding Knight will only increase as he prepares to be the starter for the United States in the 2020 World Junior Championship.
What makes Knight so talented and highly touted is his explosive ability to slide from side-to-side in the net and his dominance playing in the butterfly position. It’s safe to say that the Florida Panthers have their future franchise goalie, after drafting Knight No. 13 overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Dryden McKay, Minnesota State
Who can forget Dryden McKay’s phenomenal season between the pipes last year, as in 37 starts McKay went 30-4-2 and recorded 10 shutouts. So far this season, McKay is making his name heard as one of college hockey’s best goalies once again.
In three starts, McKay is 2-1-0 with a goals-against average of 0.67. Not to mention that within his three starts he’s already tallied two shutouts, versus Bemidji State and Michigan Tech.
McKay is one of college hockey’s best goalies due to his natural hockey senses and confidence in the net that can frustrate opponents. With McKay in net, Minnesota State is suited for another successful season.
Jordan Hession is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email hessionjordan@gmail.com.
