Fantilli among 10 Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalists
Adam Fantilli has had a heck of a year.
HIs latest nod can attest.
Fantilli, No. 2 in FCHockey’s Midterm ranking for the 2023 NHL Draft, was among the 10 finalists named for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, annually given to recognize the top NCAA men’s hockey player.
Fantilli, a freshman with the University of Michigan and the youngest player noninated, leads all collegiate scorers this season with 60 points (27 goals, 33 assists) in 32 games. The Nobleton, Ontario product was named Big 10 Freshman of the Year, First Team All-Conference, and was named to the All-Freshman Team.
“Fantilli was without question the most dominating player in the entire NCAA this year, and should be the favorite to ultimately win the Hobey Baker,” FCHockey scout Douglas Larson said. “His presence was felt in every game he played, and his high pace along with simply making things happen nearly every shift was too much to handle for many opponents. He came into the league and took control of it from the start, and should have the Hobey Baker under his belt before he gets selected very early in the upcoming draft.”
He had 74 points (37 goals, 37 assists) as a 17-year-old with the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (USHL) last season.
The list includes forward Logan Cooley of the University of Minnesota (Arizona Coyotes), Harvard University forward Sean Farrell (Montreal Canadiens), Minnesota forward Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs), Boston University blueliner Lane Hutson (Canadiens) and Northeastern University goaltender Devon Levi (Buffalo Sabres).
Fantilli fronts the undrafted crew alongside Quinnipiac forward Collin Graf and goaltender Yaniv Perets, Michigan Tech goalie Blake Pietila, and Western Michigan forward Jason Polin.
The three finalists for the award will be revealed March 30, and the winner will be announced at the Frozen Four on April 7.