Hobey Baker Watch: Week 20
Another week of college hockey means another edition of the Hobey Baker Watch.
We’re just 57 days away until the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Committee announces the recipient. In this week’s watch, we’re discussing three forwards who could win the prestigious award.
Linus Weissbach, Wisconsin
All of the attention might be focused on Cole Caufield at Wisconsin, but Linus Weissbach is having just as stellar a season as his linemate.
Weissbach can best be described as an assisting machine—second in the country with 18, trailing only Quinnipiac’s Odeen Tufto. On top of that, Weissbach has posted nine games of two or more points in just 20 games played. A seventh-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2017, Weissbach has produced eight goals, 26 points and two power-play goals this season. That's impressive.
There is no doubt that Wisconsin wouldn’t sit atop the Big Ten and at No. 7 in the USCHO poll without Weissbach’s gifted offensive talents of finding open ice to set up teammates for scoring opportunities.
Jonny Evans, Connecticut
The native of North Delta, British Columbia, has been torturing opposing teams in Hockey East and is making his name known in the hockey world.
Evans has arguably been the most dominant skater in Hockey East so far, leading the conference in goals with 12, along with points—22 in 17 games played. Evans gained a lot of attention after scoring four goals in a 6-2 win over Merrimack on Jan. 30. Posting 12 goals and 10 assists for 26 points in one of college hockey’s most competitive conferences will get you noticed.
Despite Connecticut sitting fourth in Hockey East, Evans has definitely proved that Connecticut has a bright future in Hockey East for years to come.
Brandon Kruse, Bowling Green
In hockey, a player’s plus-minus rating is a good indicator if they’re dominating on the ice. Brandon Kruse unquestionably has been one of college hockey’s most productive players; just ask his rating of plus-24.
Kruse has produced at least one point or more in 17 games played. Against Michigan Tech on Jan. 29, Kruse tallied a point in four of the six goals that led Bowling Green to a 6-3 victory. His plus-24 rating in 22 games played leads the nation, and his 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points are equally impressive marks.
If Bowling Green has any aspirations of winning the WCHA tournament, Kruse will be looked upon to produce heavily and consistently.
Jordan Hession is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email hessionjordan@gmail.com.
