The fan voting for the 2014 Hobey Baker Memorial Award is now open…Question is, who is getting your vote?
Here are some players worthy of your consideration:
Johnny Gaudreau - Boston College The junior has 40 points in 21 games thus far this season playing in all situations for the Eagles. For a guy with his skill and speed, you'd think most of his points come with the man advantage, but the overwhelming majority are 5-on-5 which is a huge testament to his ever improving puck protection - always a challenge for a guy listed at 5'8, 159. He's the odds on favorite to win this award and with the Frozen Four in Philadelphia, this could be a storybook moment for the South Jersey native, especially if his team (currently ranked third in the country) are there with him.
Brett Gensler - Bentley This is a guy that has given Hobey voters lots to talk about the past three years. He has put up huge numbers on a team that has never even been a blip on the NCAA tournament radar. It's easy to chalk his success up to easier competition in the Atlantic Hockey Association, but when he's this consistent - 50 points in 40 games, 40 points in 35 games and now 29 points in 21 games thus far this season - it's hard to ignore.
Greg Carey - St. Lawrence After a breakout season last year, he's followed it up with another stellar season with 37 points in 20 games with the Saints. There's no doubt he leads this team on and off the ice, plays in all situations and above all has a tremendous work ethic. He's a perfect reflection of the spirit of Hobey Baker.
Riley Barber - Miami Just a sophomore, but with his 39 points in 40 games last year and his 32 points in 20 games this year, there's no doubt he will be a big part of the Hobey discussion come March. He's another all around player who can contribute to his team in a variety of ways, especially when he leads by example. He will give Gaudreau a run for his money.
Ryan Haggerty - Rensselaer He started the season on absolute fire and while he's cooled off just a hair, he's still second in the country with 18 goals and 27 points in 21 games. If he and the Engineers get hot again, he could be the one to make the list of finalists that no one was expecting in October.
Trevor van Riemsdyk - New Hampshire The only defenseman on my list, van Riemsdyk has 23 points in 24 games this season after making a name for himself last year with 33 points in 39 games. Problem is, defenseman don't get a lot of love from the Hobey committee to begin with and especially if they don't score goals and this younger brother of James van Riemsdyk only has four this season.
Sam Brittain - Denver In his senior season, Brittain is finally healthy and earning the best numbers of his career. When he's on his game, watching him between the pipes is a thing of beauty and you're constantly left wondering how he did that. He's big, athletic and usually in the right place at the right time. His focus and mental preparation is top notch and his teammates love him. With all the adversity he's faced during his time at Denver and the success he has still managed to find, I'll be surprised if he's not in the Top Ten.
CJ Motte - Ferris State Serving in the back up role as a freshman during Ferris State's Frozen Four run, he split the season last year - literally - with 15 wins, 15 losses and 5 ties. This year, he is an impressive 17-1-3 allowing an average of two goals a game with three shutouts and probably most important, his Bulldogs are ranked second in the country.
Jon Gillies - Providence Gillies made a name for himself last year as a freshman and he picked up right where he left off. The offensively challenged Friars have a chance to win every night because of his abilities between the pipes. If Providence has a good run down the stretch, he'll be in the conversation.
Fan votes help determine the Top Ten finalists, which will be announced in March, and you can vote once per day….choose wisely!
Julie
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