This is my yearly attempt to predict the ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. In the past, my results have been mixed, from a high of seven to a low of four.
As you may remember, my top ten is weighted toward players on teams still alive for the national tournament, although there are a couple of picks outside of the NCAA field (from Niagara and Wisconsin).
Skaters (in alphabetical order):
Cam Atkinson, junior forward, Boston College: 28 goals, 20 assists, 48 points
Carter Camper, senior forward, Miami (OH): 17 goals, 35 assists, 52 points
Jack Connolly, junior forward, Minnesota-Duluth: 15 goals, 39 assists, 54 points
Stephane Da Costa, sophomore forward, Merrimack: 14 goals, 27 assists, 41 points
Matt Frattin, senior forward, North Dakota: 33 goals, 21 assists, 54 points
Andy Miele, senior forward, Miami (OH): 21 goals, 44 assists, 65 points
Justin Schultz, sophomore defenseman, Wisconsin: 18 goals, 29 assists, 47 points
Paul Thompson, senior forward, New Hampshire: 28 goals, 24 assists, 52 points
Paul Zanette, senior forward, Niagara: 29 goals, 26 assists, 55 points
Goaltender:
Keith Kinkaid, sophomore, Union: 25-9-3, 1.98 goals-against average, .920 save percentage, 3 shutouts
A couple of these were very tough calls. I could have gone with North Dakota’s Chay Genoway and Aaron Dell over Justin Schultz and Keith Kinkaid, but I have a feeling that UND will have one Hobey hopeful this year.
Feel free to argue, debate, and add your own opinions. Check back after the announcement on Thursday evening to see how I did.