Inside College Hockey | 10 for '10: The Hobey

April 28, 2009
10 For '10: The Hobey

We're only a few weeks removed from the 2009 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 '10 feature.

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 '10 feature by taking an early look at who will be next year's contenders for the Hobey Baker Award.

Player	Note
Nick Bonino Boston University	Only one of Boston University's top six scorers is set to return for the national champs, and that is standout forward Nick Bonino. He didn't garner a ton of attention or headlines during BU's title run, but anyone who paid attention during the Frozen Four noticed his game-breaking ability. During the 2008-09 season, Bonino only trailed Colin Wilson on the BU scoring charts, as Bonino finished the campaign with 18 goals and 50 points.
Carter Camper Miami	There’s no question Camper can put up Hobey-caliber numbers – he scored 42 points this season after tallying 41 points as a freshman – and he’s the RedHawks’ most dynamic player. He should approach the 50-point plateau this coming season, but Camper’s candidacy may be hindered by a balanced Miami lineup. Nine skaters scored more than 20 points for the RedHawks’ in 2008-09; all but two of them return next season.
Louie Caporusso Michigan	Only four skaters scored more goals last season than Caporusso, a 2009 Hobey Baker Award finalist who netted 24 markers for the Wolverines. Critics will argue that Aaron Palushaj, who set up a bunch of those goals, has signed with the St. Louis Blues, resulting in a drop-off for Caporusso. But the Wolverines have other talented playmakers (i.e. Carl Hagelin, David Wohlberg) with the ability to get Caporusso the puck.
Cade Fairchild Minnesota	OK, so we’re big Fairchild fans. We admit it. It’s just that every time we watch the Gophers, he makes at least one spectacular play each game. His offensive skills are well documented – he scored 33 points last season, which was more than double his output as a freshman – but he’s better defensively than he’s given credit for. Playing alongside a top talent like Schroeder may hinder his chances, but it didn’t seem to hurt Jordan Leopold’s candidacy back in 2002, did it?
Zane Kalemba Princeton	Princeton has just completed the best two-year run in program history and looks to be taking on the appearance of team that expects to be in the national tournament every year rather than hoping to be in the NCAAs. For all of that optimism, however, pessimists can point to what Princeton hasn't been able to do – no ECAC Hockey championships in 2009 and two one-and-dones in the NCAAs. A big senior year from Kalemba, a returning Hobey finalist, could mean big things for Princeton and individual recognition is bound to follow.
Jacques Lamoureux Air Force	After a hot start, Lamoureux went into a bit of a funk before coming on strong during the second half of the season, nearly leading the Falcons to the Frozen Four. He may be hard pressed to repeat his 33-goal, 53-point effort from this past season, but Lamoureux proved he's among the most consistent offensive threats in the country and the Falcons return a talented, experienced cast next season.
David McIntyre Colgate	The biggest challenge that McIntyre faces is getting his name out there enough to earn strong consideration from coaches and voters for this award. Colgate doesn't play on television much and hasn't been in the mix for conference titles or an NCAA playoff spot in the last two years. That being said, McIntyre got a lot of the "get-to-know-you" stuff out of the way last season as his 21-goal, 43-point campaign made him one of the top-10 Hobey finalists. Eyes will be on him from the start of the year this time around.
Kieran Millan Boston University	While the 2008-09 season was a strong one for goaltending numbers and performances, only one led his team to a national championship. Boston University sophomore-to-be Kieran Millan was a steady and consistent presence behind a very good team. Even though star defender and Hobey Baker-winner Matt Gilroy is lost to graduation, the Terrier blue line could return five regulars next year. Millan could come close to matching his stellar rookie campaign that included 29 wins, 3 shutouts, a 1.94 goals-against average and .921 save percentage.
Riley Nash Cornell	Cornell's leading scorer asserted himself in the second half of the season and finished the year with a team-high 35 points as the Big Red qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years. Nash had 16 points in Cornell's last 15 games, which spanned the start of February through the NCAA quarterfinals. His impact on games has increased with every passing semester through two years. Consistent dominance in his junior year (if there is one) would make him a strong candidate for individual honors.
Jordan Schroeder Minnesota	Arguably the most talented player in college hockey now that Boston University's Colin Wilson has embarked on a professional career, Schroeder scored 45 points in 35 games for the Gophers. He certainly benefitted from playing on a line with a finisher like Ryan Stoa for most of the season. Stoa's gone, so some lucky Gopher sniper (Mike Hoeffel, perhaps?) will benefit from playing along Schroeder.