Hobey Baker Watch: Week of Jan. 22

Another week, another batch of Hobey Baker candidates ready to earn their mark. Let’s change things up a bit this week. We know the front runners, but let’s look at some of the names we haven’t talked about enough.

Josh Nadeau, Forward, Maine

The freshman has been doing everything right for the Black Bears this season, holding the title of their top goal-scorer. Nadeau and his play-driving abilities have put Maine in spots to succeed every week in a competitive Hockey East conference.

In 22 games, he’s totaled 12 goals and 32 points tying him for fifth in the entire nation in points.

No NHL team owns his rights as of now, but with this kind of production, it’s only a matter of time before teams line up for his services.

Jackson Blake, Forward, North Dakota

With great hands and playmaking ability, Blake is the driving force of a successful North Dakota squad. With a split-even 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points, Blake can dazzle with the puck at a moment’s notice.

Jackson Blake has the tools that can turn the tide of a game. North Dakota wants more trophies in the case in Grand Forks and they have just the squad to do so with Blake at the helm of it all.

Jimmy Snuggerud, Forward, Minnesota

Snuggerud just scored by the time you finished reading this sentence. Third in the nation in goals, Snuggerud has a rocket-powered shot paired with speed. A prospect for the St. Louis Blues, he can be in the mix for an NHL roster spot by the end of the year.

With 18 goals and 25 points, the sophomore requires all eyes on him when on the ice, and if you are a goaltender in this league, good luck stopping him.

Kyle McClellan, Goaltender, Wisconsin

Is “brick wall” on McClellan’s birth certificate? Because there are so many reasons why he can be labeled the best goaltender in the nation.

Along with a 17-4 record, McClellan has the best save percentage and goals-against average in the NCAA. His resume shows a 1.67 GAA, .939 SV% and a whopping six shutouts.

A revitalized Wisconsin Badgers team is finding a ton of success this season, and you know what they say about hot goaltending come playoff time.

Lane Hutson, Defenseman, Boston University

Boston University is already flooded with talent, but Lane Hutson takes it to a whole new level. Silky smooth with the puck, exceptional skating ability and edge work puts him in the conversation for some hardware.

There is always going to be concern about his smaller frame, but Hutson hasn’t let that bother him as he’s accumulated 28 points with 10 goals on the year.

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