Hobey Baker Watch: Oct. 18

Another week of NCAA hockey means it’s another week of exciting performances from around the nation. Some new and old faces are on the list this week, but which players stood out the most in the most recent set of games?

Rutger McGroarty, Forward, Michigan

The first of many Michigan-based players on this week’s list, the Winnipeg Jets prospect is showing off his first-round talent for a second straight week. Now up to nine points on the season, McGroarty leads the entire NCAA in the category.

With more opportunity in the forward core, McGroarty took his chance and ran with it. He has the hockey sense and skill to lead the Wolverines this year, and with conference play right around the corner, the group will be leaning on him to continue his production.

Luke Grainger, Forward, Western Michigan

Next, we head to Kalamazoo where Luke Grainger leads the Broncos’ offense. With Ryan McAllister and Jason Polin leaving to play professional hockey, Western Michigan would be without two of the best point producers in the entire nation.

In their absence, Grainger has done a great job filling in as the lead dog. In two games, the senior has potted two goals and dished five assists. The Broncos made the regionals of last season’s NCAA tournament but fell short of advancing far.

As they look for a new offensive identity, Grainger has helped the program identify its key piece.

Red Savage, Forward, Michigan State

The play has been as good as his name so far this season as Red Savage has helped the Michigan State Spartans come out to a respectable 3-1 record. The junior and Detroit Red Wings prospect has come to play early on this season with seven points in four games. The Wings haven’t signed him just yet, but with his play so far he’s currently got the attention of the fans.

His flashy style of play has allowed teammates like Joey Larson to capitalize on opportunities around the net. After transferring from Miami University in Ohio, Savage has shown that he is comfortable with his new program.

Jimmy Snuggerud, Forward, Minnesota

If you thought that losing Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies would affect Jimmy Snuggerud’s game, you might be mistaken. Through two games the sophomore has four goals already as a part of his five points. One of those goals was scored as a game-winning goal against St. Thomas in the first game of the season.

The St. Louis Blues prospect has been turning heads for the last two seasons with his top-tier shooting skills and strong skating. With another year of development with the Golden Gophers, Snuggerud has a chance to be a difference-maker at both the college and pro level.

He’s going to be in conversation for the Hobey Baker Award for the rest of the year.

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