The 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, given to college hockey's top player, were announced Wednesday and consisted of six defensemen, four forwards -- and zero goalies. The netminders received no love from the voters, but they still have the Mike Richter Award upon which to fall back. A look at my top five candidates.
5. Andrew Shortridge, Quinnipiac: He's had less work than other finalists – 25 games – but sports a 17-6-2 record with a nation's-best 1.51 goals-against average, a .941 save percentage and four shutouts.
4. Dryden McKay, Minnesota State: The freshman has been the backbone to the Mavericks' WCHA title run. He's 23-6-2 with a 1.65 GAA, .932 save percentage and four shutouts.
3. Joey Daccord, Arizona State: Though his 2.36 GAA is the highest among the 10 finalists, Daccord has a .926 save percentage and seven shutouts. Also has made 994 saves, 29.2 per game. He's the biggest reason why the Sun Devils will make the NCAA tournament.
2. Hunter Shepard, Minnesota Duluth: The workhorse for the Bulldogs is 23-11-2 with a 1.95 GAA, .914 save percentage and five shutouts. You wanna bet against him in the NCAA tourney?
1. Cayden Primeau, Northeastern: The Hockey East first-team goalie and son of former NHL player Keith Primeau followed up a stellar freshman season by going 23-9-1 with a 2.05 GAA, .935 save percentage and four shutouts while facing 30.6 shots per game.
