Hobey Baker Watch: Week 9
The college hockey season is well underway, which means the race for the Hobey Baker Award is in full force. In about 72 days the winner will be announced. This week, we’re looking at two of the best skaters in terms of points and one of the best goalies in the country.
Odeen Tufto, C, Quinnipiac
Odeen Tufto, Quinnipiac’s senior captain, is one of the nation’s premier playmakers as he has a nation-best 28 points. The area of Tufto’s game that is so dangerous is his passing.
He currently has 24 assists on the season, which is first in the nation. This year, Tufto has had six games where he’s had two or more assists. His season-high for assists in a game is four, which he recorded back in December against AIC.
After struggling against Clarkson this past weekend, where he only had one assist, he will try to get back on track as the No. 11 Bobcats host the LIU Sharks.
Cole Caufield, RW, Wisconsin
Caufield, the Canadiens’ first-round pick last year, is tied for second in the nation in points with 21 and is tied for third in goals with 10.
Caufield has been on a hot streak lately, tallying 13 points over nine games, six goals and seven assists. In the Badgers’ most recent series against Penn State, he netted a goal and an assist in both games.
He will look to extend his point streak as the No. 13 Badgers return to La Bahn Arena for a series with Michigan State.
Dryden McKay, G, Minnesota State
While there has only ever been two goalies to win the Hobey Baker, junior Dryden McKay is making a case to be the third. McKay has been a stonewall in net for Minnesota State this year.
After being the best goalie in the country last year, McKay has followed that up with another stellar season in the making. So far, he has posted a 9-1-0 record, a .954 save percentage and leads the nation in shutouts with six, as well as goals-against average posting a 0.90.
McKay’s confidence and natural ability between the pipes is what makes him a contender for the Hobey Baker. He will try to continue his stellar season this week as the No. 3 Mavericks travel to face-off with Bemidji State.
Matt Scalzo is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mms7477@psu.edu.
