Hobey Baker Watch List: Week Eleven

Story posted January 20, 2016 in CommRadio, Sports by Zach Green

Welcome back to ComRadio’s Hobey Baker watch. As we rejoin the season after the winter break, we will take a look at any possible shakeups in the race for college hockey’s most coveted individual award.

1. Jimmy Vesey (LW, Harvard)

Jimmy Vesey is unstoppable. The senior from North Reading, Massachusetts has been scoring seemingly at will and is carrying his team to a possible NCAA tournament berth. His scoring has been very consistent this year, including his natural hat trick this past Saturday against St. Lawrence. The goals came within six minutes of each other in the third period, as he led his team to a come from behind victory against the highly thought of Saints. This weekend, Vesey and the Crimson travel to Colgate and Cornell for some more ECAC action. Whatever the result is, the Nashville Predators, who drafted him in the third round of the 2012 draft, are very excited about what he can bring to the team in the coming years after he graduates.

2. Michael Garteig (G, Quinnipiac)

Michael Garteig has come out of nowhere this year to all of a sudden be a real contender for the Hobey Baker. Garteig has started nearly every game for the Quinnipiac Bobcats. He has been about as consistent as a goalie possibly can be with a record of 19-1-3. His save percentage and goals against average are nothing to scoff at either, at .940 and 1.41, respectively. His team is currently ranked No. 1 by the USCHO and they don’t appear to be slowing down. Next up for Garteig and the Bobcats are the University of Maine, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The latter is an ECAC matchup.

3. Kyle Connor (F, Michigan)

This freshman has exploded onto the scene this year, currently sitting in second in the NCAA in points, and first in goals with 18. He has been one of the focal points of Michigan’s attack this year, and his numbers show it. Connor has been the best freshman in the NCAA this year, and is beginning to sneak into the Hobey Baker award list as a dark horse candidate. Michigan has a relatively easy week this week, with only an exhibition against the USA NDTP under 18 team, who currently plays in the USHL. They reenter conference play next week when they travel to Penn State.

Honorable Mentions:

Andrew Poturalski (F, New Hampshire)- Poturalski currently leads the NCAA in points. Him and line-mate Tyler Kelleher have been striking fear into opposing team’s defenses all year long.

Drake Caggiula (F, North Dakota)- Caggiula dazzled with a highlight reel goal a week ago against Alabama Huntsville. This skill level along with his high point total has him on the cusp of making the top three.

Thatcher Demko (G, Boston College)- Thatcher Demko’s play has not been the reason for his drop. Boston College’s offense has not put up the goals needed for Demko to keep pace in wins with Garteig, which is the reason he is not in the top three. If they pick it up, don’t be surprised to see Demko at the top again.

 

Zach Green is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email zag5035@psu.edu