Hobey Baker Watch: Week of Oct. 11

The first week of college hockey brought some amazing performances from players all over the country. With the next set of games looming, teams will be leaning on these players to repeat and boost their program. What players are making noise early on this season?

Massimo Rizzo, Forward, Denver

Rizzo blasted through the season’s gates with seven points in the first two games against Alaska Fairbanks. He found numerous teammates over the 120 minutes and ended up with seven assists on his stat line. Rizzo wanted to make sure his presence was noticed right away.

Denver’s dominance moved them up a spot in the USCHO poll, going from No. 4 to No. 3 in the rankings. In the series of the week article last week, it was mentioned that the Pioneers have an elite offense that can break games open, and with an impressive display from Rizzo, they did exactly that.

Oliver Moore, Forward, Minnesota

By the time you’ve read this sentence, Oliver Moore has already blown by an entire team’s defense and sniped the top corner of the goal. He skates with a trail of fire behind him and teams can only hope they can find a way to shut him down.

That’s what he did against Bemidji State in an exhibition game over the weekend. Sure, the goal doesn’t count on his regular season stat sheet, but it is definitely a sign of good things to come for both Moore and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Rutger McGroarty, Forward, Michigan

After the departure of last season’s Hobey Baker winner, Adam Fantilli, the Michigan Wolverines needed someone to step up, and Rutger McGroarty has done brilliantly so far this season.

To open the season, the Sophomore tallied five points in the two games he played against now-No. 13 Providence. Michigan lost a lot of talent over the past two seasons due to NHL opportunities, and it has been a next-man-up mentality for the program for a while now.

If McGroarty can continue to pile up points, Michigan has the chance to continue its success.

Macklin Celebrini, Forward, Boston University

It only took a game for the freshman to get comfortable. He scored a beautiful goal and an assist to open his collegiate career with the Boston University Terriers. The former USHL Player of the Year looks like the first-overall pick in the upcoming draft, and his skill backs up the argument.

Celebrini is the keystone of Boston’s machine and as long as he is creating magic on the ice, the Terriers are arguably the best team in the NCAA. All eyes are going to be on Celebrini as the season continues, so get ready for some more highlight reel goals as the season continues.

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