Gophers, MSU-Mankato, Wild all have Hobey Baker finalists

Chris Long
University of Minnesota goalie Jack LaFontaine[Gopher Athletics]

Three players with ties to the State of Hockey are among the ten players named finalists for the anual Hobey Baker Award, given to college hockey’s top player.

Gophers goalie Jack LaFontaine, Minnesota State goalie Dryden McKay and Boston College forward and Minnesota Wild prospect Matt Boldy are all in consideration for the honor.

Wisconsin forward Cole Caufield, the Big Ten Player of the Year, is considered a favorite for the award. He leads the nation in goals and points.

LaFontaine, a senior from Mississauga, Ontario, backstopped the Gophers to the Big Ten Tournament. He’s 21-6-0 with a 1.74 GAA and .936 save percentage. He’s allowed two or fewer goals in 21 of 27 starts this season and his five shutouts are tied for second in the nation. He transferred to the U after playing at Michigan for his first two seasons.

McKay, a junior from Downers Grove, Illinois, is chasing historic numbers both for a single season and his career. He leads the nation with nine shutouts this season and 23 in his three-year career – which rank 2nd all-time. He is the WCHA Player of the Year and Goalie of the Year. He’s 19-2 this season with a 1.25 GAA and .937 save percentage. For his career, his 1.46 GAA ranks among the all-time best.

Boldy, a sophomore from Millis, Massachusetts, has hepled Boston College to the #1 ranking in the nation. He has 10 goals, 16 assists in 20 games. His 26 points rank second in Hockey East this season. He was the Minnesota Wild’s first-round draft pick (12th overall) in 2019, and could depart college to enter the Wild’s system as soon as his college season concludes.

Here are all ten finalists:

  • Matt Boldy, Boston College
  • Cole Caufield, University of Wisconsin
  • David Farrance, Boston University
  • Dylan Holloway, University of Wisconsin
  • Spencer Knight, Boston College
  • Jack LaFontaine, University of Minnesota
  • Dryden McKay, Minnesota State University
  • Keith Petruzzelli, Quinnipiac University
  • Shane Pinto, University of North Dakota
  • Odeen Tufto, Quinnipiac University