Hobey Baker Watch List: Week 14

Story posted February 9, 2016 in CommRadio, Sports by Zach Green

The end of the BeanPot tournament signifies many things in college hockey. The regular season is winding down, and with that it’s time to update ComRadio’s Hobey Baker Watch.

1. Jimmy Vesey (LW, Harvard)

Jimmy Vesey is the safe pick for the Hobey Baker. After awarding the award last year to Jack Eichel, the first freshman to win it, it is unlikely that a freshman will win it again unless they are far and away, the best player in the nation. While Vesey does not lead any nationwide category, it’s tough to imagine the award going to anybody else, seeing as how Vesey has lived up to the crazy expectations people had for him. Vesey has 35 points through 22 games this year, which has him at second in points per game at 1.59. Harvard has been carried by the senior, and will be leaning on him when it comes time for the NCAA tournament.

2. Kyle Connor (F, Michigan)

This freshman has taken the NCAA by storm leading the NCAA in points with 44. He has helped pace the Wolverines out to a very strong year. He didn’t have quite as strong of a week as most fans have gotten used to, but still registering a point in each game is nothing to be ashamed of. The Winnipeg Jets first round pick has turned heads across the nation with his relentless scoring this year. Michigan’s first line has been unstoppable this year, and has certainly helped Connor put up the insane scoring numbers he has so far. All of this help though could end up holding him back when it comes to winning the Hobey Baker, because Vesey has had similar production levels, while doing it all himself.

3. Cam Johnson (G, North Dakota)

Cam Johnson has quietly slipped into the race for college hockey’s most coveted individual award.  He currently leads the NCAA in both save percentage and goals against average with a .948 save percentage and a 1.31 goals against average. It is very tough for a goaltender to win the award, which normally goes to a forward. The last goalie to win it was NHL star Ryan Miller for Michigan State in 2001. Johnson has eerily similar numbers to Miller with Miller recording a .950 save percentage and a 1.31 goals against average. Johnson has not played as many games as the other goaltending leaders, as he split games with Matt Hrynkiw to start the season before the sophomore established himself as the best goalie on the team. His play has only gotten better as the year has gone on, evidenced by him only giving up one goal over his past two games against Western Michigan.

Honorable Mention

Andrew Poturalski – This sophomore is tied for the NCAA points lead with Kyle Connor. He also leads the nation with 18 points on the power play. 

Tyler Motte – Motte leads the nation in goals with 25. Playing with Kyle Connor does not hurt as Connor has assisted on many of them.

Alex Lyon – This goaltender for Yale has been on fire leading the Bulldogs to the No. 10 spot in this weeks national rankings.

 

Zach Green is a sophomore majoring in Broadcast Journalism. He can be reached via email at zag5035@psu.edu or on twitter @zgreen05.