Adam Fantilli, Logan Cooley, Matt Knies named Hobey Baker Hat-Trick finalists
The NCAA has announced that University of Michigan forward Adam Fantilli, and University of Michigan forwards Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies, have been named finalists for the 2023 Hobey Baker Memorial Award.
The Hobey Baker is awarded to the most outstanding NCAA player each year. Dryden McKay, currently with the Newfound Growlers of the ECHL, won the award last year after his senior campaign with Minnesota State. Other notable winners include Cole Caufield (2021), Cale Makar (2019), Jack Eichel (2015), Johnny Gaudreau (2014) and Ryan Miller (2001).
Fantilli, 18, leads all NCAA players with 64 points through 35 games. His output is the 10th best in the history of U-19 players in the NCAA, and his 1.83 points-per-game percentage is the best of the 21st century. The 6-foot-2 center is considered to be the second-best prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft behind Connor Bedard thanks to his mix of physicality, speed and pure skill.
Cooley, 18, is the second-highest-scoring U-19 player this season with 20 goals and 57 points in 37 games. Taken third overall by the Arizona Coyotes last summer, Cooley also has seven goals and 14 points at the World Junior Championship, leading USA to a bronze medal and earning a spot on the tournament all-star team. Cooley will enter the Frozen Four riding a 15-game point streak, including five points in the regional championship series last week.
Knies, 20, has 21 goals and 41 points in 38 games as a member of Cooley’s line. The 6-foot-3 forward brought size, a great shot and strong defensive play to help round out one of the best lines in the country. Taken 57th overall by Toronto in 2021, Knies represented USA at the Olympics and the World Junior Championship last year, and is credited with 74 points in 71 games over two NCAA campaigns.
All three players will battle for the chance to win the NCAA’s national championship at the Frozen Four next month in Tampa Bay. The Hobey Baker winner will be announced on April 7 in Florida, a day before the title game.