Hobey Baker Watch: Week 9

Story posted December 6, 2022 in

It is the holiday season which means it's time to celebrate what names are making college hockey so festive. What players look to receive the Hobey Baker this week?

Ryan McAllister, Forward, Western Michigan

McAllister is so on fire right now, it’s surprising the ice doesn’t melt every time he’s stepped out for a shift. He currently has 33 points through 18 games, leading the entire NCAA in points this year.

He is doing this all as a freshman too, but even though he is 20-years-old and older for his class, being a rookie in collegiate sport isn’t easy.

With 10 goals and 23 assists about halfway through the season, a strong back half of the year can lift him to the award.

Adam Fantilli, Forward, Michigan

The top prospect will always be in Hobey Baker talks as he is just so dangerous on the ice. With space, he can turn any defenseman inside out and score at ease.

The freshman has 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points, leading the way for the Wolverines. This is an incredibly important year for Fantilli just because he is draft eligible.

Any team in the top three will be lucky enough to have Fantilli as their number one center for the future.

Jason Polin, Forward, Western Michigan

Ryan McAllister’s linemate and right hand man and the NCAA equivalent of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Polin has been lighting the lamp all season long. He is second in the NCAA with 13 goals, and with 11 assists, his playmaking abilities are fantastic.

If McAllister isn’t an option, Polin certainly is, so teams will have their hands full every time the two step out on the ice together.

Devon Levi, Goaltender, Northeastern

One of the league’s finest, Levi has been a brick wall per usual. The Sabres prospect looks one step closer to the NHL every week, and with Buffalo’s uncertainty in goal, Levi might be in the NHL soon.

Through 15 games, Levi has held a 2.17 goals against average along with a .932 goals against average.

Northeastern might not be ranked this week, but if Levi continues to dominate the crease and the Huskies continue to improve, we’ll see them back in the top 20 soon.

 

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