As captain and the leading scorer of the NCAA’s top-ranked team, and possessing sportsmanship and academic credentials, University of Denver senior wing Rhett Rakh-shani embodies what the Hobey Baker Award stands for.
Voters for the national player-of-the-year award, however, will have a difficult time determining DU’s best player, because the Pioneers’ success also derives from Marc Cheverie. The junior goalie (19-3-3) leads the country with six shutouts and a .937 save percentage.
“Denver has two great superstars, definitely among the cream of the crop in college hockey this year,” said Wally Shaver, Minnesota’s radio announcer and a Hobey Baker Award Foundation committee member. “And when you have two outstanding guys from the same team, you usually have good results.”
Colorado College and Boston University had two players become top-three finalists recently. Tigers center Marty Sertich beat out linemate Brett Sterling for the 2005 award, and BU defenseman Matt Gilroy won it a year ago ahead of teammate and forward Colin Wilson.
DU coach George Gwozdecky would like to see Rakhshani and Cheverie become the next superstar tandem.
“You win on and off the ice with great individuals like Marc and Rhett,” Gwozdecky said. “And when I’m looking at season-ending awards, I’m always looking at the game-breakers, the guys that decide the games, who turn the games. And there’s no question, when you look at our team, those are the two top guys that come to mind.”
Rakhshani leads Denver (22-6-4) with 40 points, tied for first in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. His 18 goals are the most among the WCHA’s top five point producers. Cheverie, who went 223 minutes, 51 seconds without allowing a goal to shatter Peter Mannino’s school record, is second nationally in goals-against average (1.93). He ranks first all-time at DU in save percentage (.928) and GAA (2.16)
“As far as I’m concerned, ‘Chevs’ has been the best player I’ve played with or against this season,” Rakh-shani said. “His consistency has been amazing, and I think he deserves a very, very serious look.”
Said Cheverie: “I’m very flattered to even be mentioned in the same breath as Hobey Baker. I’m sure Rhett feels the same way. We have a lot of leaders on this team, and a few other guys that are close to All-Americans or all-WCHA. It just goes to show how deep we are.”
Cheverie appears to be the leading candidate for the award, but if he had a vote, it would go to Rakh-shani.
“Rhett’s the big leader on our team, and I think that’s a huge part of why he should be a Hobey Baker candidate,” Cheverie said. “Not only is he a great player, but he’s a great person.”
The award’s top 10 finalists will be announced March 18. The winner will be announced April 9.
“It’s cool for the school to get behind it for fans to follow, but I don’t think about it, and I don’t think Rhett does either,” Cheverie said of the award. “We just want to win. I’d trade a Hobey Baker Award for a national championship any day of the week, and I’m sure Rhett would do the same.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Hobey highlights
Denver Post college hockey writer Mike Chambers lists his top five Hobey Baker Award candidates:
1. Marc Cheverie, Denver, Jr., G Ranks first nationally in shutouts (six) and save percentage (.937, tied) and is second in goals-against average (1.93). He rebounded from a frightening leg injury in November to put together one of the top seasons in DU history.
2. Brendan Smith, Wisconsin, Jr., D The NCAA’s highest-scoring defenseman (39 points, 14 goals) has 10 power-play goals and four game-winning goals, and he is a plus-16. He’s the catalyst for the country’s No. 2-ranked offense.
3. Rhett Rakhshani, Denver, Sr., F The captain of the country’s top-ranked program has a team-high 40 points, tied for first among WCHA scorers. And his 18 goals are most among the league’s top five point producers.
4. Bobby Butler, New Hampshire, Sr. F Tied for third nationally in points per game (1.47), Butler has a Hockey East-leading 24 goals, including 18 in league play. He leads the Wildcats with four game-winners.
5. Chase Polacek, Rensselaer, Jr., F Tied for No. 1 nationally in goals (24) and points (49), Polacek will get substantial East Coast attention, but RPI’s 41st-ranked strength of schedule hurts him in comparisons with WCHA candidates.
Possible top-10 finalists: F Gustav Nyquist, Maine, So.; F Nick Johnson, Sacred Heart, Sr.; F Brian Gibbons, Boston College, Jr.; D Blake Kessel, New Hampshire, So.; F Jack Connolly, Minnesota-Duluth, So.; F Blake Geoffrion, Wisconsin, Sr.; F Corey Tropp, Michigan State, Jr.; G Cody Reichard, Miami (Ohio), So.; F Justin Fontaine, Minnesota-Duluth, Jr.
How Hobey voting works
•The top 10 finalists will be announced March 18. The list is compiled by the 58 head coaches, who vote for up to three players in their conference and up to three players nationally. Players can be listed on both ballots, and coaches can vote for their own players. Also, the winner of an online fan ballot counts as 1 percent in the voting.
•Three finalists make up the “Hobey Hat Trick,” to be announced March 31. A 24-member selection committee made up of media, NHL scouts, coaches and a member of USA Hockey picks these players from the top 10 finalists of the initial selection process.
•The 30th Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced April 9 at the Frozen Four in Detroit. It will be televised on ESPNU.
