We’re only a few weeks removed from the 2010 national championship game, but here at Inside College Hockey we can’t resist casting our gaze toward the future. A lot can change between now and the drop of the puck in October, but that doesn’t stop our 10-For-11 feature, which looks ahead to the 2010-11 season.
In the upcoming days, we will take a look at the top 10 teams headed into next season; in addition to our thoughts on 10 big questions headed into the upcoming campaign. For now, we begin the 10-For-11 feature by taking an early look at who will be next year’s contenders for the Hobey Baker Award.
| 10-For-11: The Players |
CAM ATKINSON
Boston College
Atkinson led the national champions in scoring as a sophomore with 53 points and his 30 goals led the nation. His flair for the dramatic showed on the game’s biggest stage as he scored once in the semifinal win over Miami and twice in the decisive third period of the championship game against Wisconsin. There’s no reason to believe that he won’t continue to rack up the points for a potentially great BC team in the 2010-11 season.
CHAY GENOWAY
North Dakota
Provided he’s healthy and returns to the Fighting Sioux after missing all but nine games last season with a concussion, Genoway certainly belongs on this list. When he’s on, Genoway is among the top offensive defensemen in college hockey and his presence completely changes the dynamic of the North Dakota power play. His successful return from a serious injury could become a compelling storyline for Hobey voters.
CARL HAGELIN
Michigan
If there was some such thing as a second-half Hobey, Hagelin would have likely been among the top candidates for the honor. In 19 games from Jan. 29-March 28, the sublime Swede scored 23 points as Michigan clawed and scratched its way to a 20th straight NCAA Tournament berth. If he and the rest of his Wolverine mates can start 2010-11 like they ended 2009-10, Hagelin should match or exceed the 50 points he scored last season.
BLAKE KESSEL
New Hampshire
UNH’s 2010 Hobey Hat Trick finalist Bobby Butler is lost to graduation, but the high-scoring defenseman will be back to lead the Wildcats and should be considered among the nation’s best players. Among defensemen, only Wisconsin’s Brendan Smith had more points-per-game than Kessel, whose 10-28-38 line ranked second on UNH to Butler.
RILEY NASH
Cornell
When Riley Nash came to Cornell as a freshman and first-round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers, it seemed unlikely that he’d stay on campus until his senior year. As he enters that campaign this fall, it’s one more chance to prove himself in the college hockey equivalent of a contract year. He’s shown signs before, but a consistent senior season would make him a Hobey candidate, and Cornell players have traditionally performed their best as seniors.
GUSTAV NYQUIST
Maine
The only returning player among the 2010 Hobey Hat Trick finalists, Nyquist is the early favorite to win the award in his junior year in Orono. His 61 points were the most in the nation and his 42 assists tied for first in that category. If an improved Maine team can take another step higher in the Hockey East standings and make a run at an NCAA Tournament berth, it helps Nyquist’s candidacy even more.
CHASE POLACEK
Rensselaer
Another big-time point producer, RPI’s Chase Polacek might be mired in the perfect storm for a run at the nation’s top individual honor. He was one of the 10 Hobey finalists in 2010 which established him as a name to watch in the future. He’ll be a senior at RPI on a team that should legitimately contend for ECAC Hockey championships and a return to the NCAA Tournament. Polacek has posted 84 points over the last two seasons, including a 26-26-52 line in 2009-10.
GARRETT ROE
St. Cloud State
Ryan Lasch set St. Cloud State’s career scoring mark in March, besting Jeff Saterdalen’s total that had topped the chart for 16 years. Lasch’s reign could be short lived, however; Roe needs 42 points to become the school’s top scorer, a reasonable target for a guy who hasn’t scored fewer than 45 points in three seasons with the Huskies. He’ll benefit from a strong supporting cast of returnees that should put SCSU among the preseason favorites to win the WCHA.
BRENDAN SMITH
Wisconsin
Next season will be one of transition in Madison what with the losses of seven senior regulars. Assuming Smith and the Badgers’ core group of underclassmen return, however, the drop-off won’t be drastic. Smith, who led the nation’s defensemen in goals, power-play goals, assists, and points last season, is arguably the best-skating blueliner in the college ranks and his ability to get open looks at the net on the power play is nothing short of amazing.
TOMMY WINGELS
Miami
The assumption is that goalie Cody Reichard is the RedHawks’ top Hobey candidate, but we prefer Wingels, a versatile forward (aren’t they all at Miami?) with good size who is skilled and shifty enough to score in bunches. With just two top contributors from last season moving on, the RedHawks will again be among the teams in the preseason spotlight … and Wingels can take advantage of the eyes trained on Miami.
