Hobey Baker Watch: Week 3
Before the new college hockey season began there were plenty of players generating a lot of hype. However, just a select handful have lived up to the preseason talk while others have sprung up as early surprises.
When looking at a stacked Michigan team to start the year, many were looking at players like Kent Johnson, Matt Beniers, and Thomas Bordeleau to lead the way upfront.
However, it has been sophomore forward Brendan Brisson who has shined brightest for Michigan’s offense in the early going.
Brisson scored three goals in the Wolverines’ first series of the season, all coming on the power play. One of his goals was a game-winner and he added two assists in the first two games.
After scoring a hat trick in an exhibition game against Bowling Green, it was tossed around that Brisson could get Hobey Baker recognition if he leads this Michigan team in scoring.
Brisson was the finisher of the colossus that is the Michigan power play in their opening series, and if that continues, the sophomore forward may find himself in conversations among college hockey’s best.
One player that has lived up to the preseason hype is Minnesota State goaltender, Dryden McKay.
The senior goaltender coming off a 10-shutout season already has notched two shutouts in just four games so far this season.
One shutout came against the defending national champion Massachusetts Minutemen and the second against No. 2 St. Cloud State.
McKay has played his game against other big teams already this season and is the early favorite to take home this year’s Hobey Baker Award.
North Dakota defenseman Jake Sanderson has also been living up to preseason expectations.
The sophomore defenseman has had a goal and an assist in each of his first two games.
He has also fired seven total shots over North Dakota’s opening series.
Sanderson has already equaled his goal total from last season and is on pace to obliterate his numbers in the box score from last season.
One final player who should be on the Hobey Baker Award watch all season long is Owen Power.
The 2021 NHL first overall draft selection earned Big Ten second star of the week honors after having his first-ever four-point game.
The sophomore defenseman had assists on the Wolverines’ first three goals in a 6-1 win over Lake Superior State before adding a goal of his own late in the third period.
College hockey’s brightest stars have shown off their skills in just a few games early in the season and new stars are beginning to emerge alongside them.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see which players consistently keep up strong play.
Maclain Young is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email macyoung21@gmail.com.
