Draft eligible Fantilli a Hobey Hat Trick finalist as NCAA’s top player
Adam Fantilli can bring home a hardware haul.
Fantilli, No. 2 in FCHockey’s Midterm ranking for the 2023 NHL Draft, was named one three finalists for the 2023 Hobey Baker Memorial Award on Thursday morning, annually given to recognize the top NCAA men’s hockey player.
The 18-year-old freshman will compete with University of Minnesota teammates Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs) for the award, which will be handed out on Friday, April 7.
The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Committee is pleased to announce the three Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalists for the 2023 award, honoring college hockey’s top player. Alphabetically, they are: Logan Cooley, a freshman forward from the University of Minnesota; https://t.co/0Wyth7htuI… pic.twitter.com/q77cHp81L0
— Hobey Baker Award (@HobeyBakerAward) March 30, 2023
Fantilli, the projected No. 2 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft behind Connor Bedard, had 64 points (29 goals, 35 assists) in 35 games.
“He 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.”
Cooley, an Arizona Coyotes prospect, led Minnesota with 57 points (20 goals, 37 assists) in 37 games. Knies, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, had 41 points (21 goals, 20 assists) in 41 games.
All three players will participate in the Frozen Four in Tampa, Florida next week.