Does UND forward Jackson Blake deserve to be in the Hobey Baker race?
North Dakota Fighting Hawks' forward Jackson Blake is having a career year this year and deserves to be talked about when it comes to the Hobey Baker conversation.
The Hobey Baker Award is an annual award given to the top National Collegiate Athletic Association men's ice hockey player. It has been awarded 41 times in it's history.
Michigan's Adam Fantilli won the Award last season after his 30-goal season with the Wolverines in which he had 65 points in 36 games.
Blake, 20, is in his sophomore season with North Dakota and has 17 goals and 39 points in 28 games. He has already passed his Freshman season goal total when he had 16 for UND last year.
He led the team last year in points with 42 and became only the third freshman at UND since 1980 to lead the team in points. Blake earned NCHC Rookie of the Year honors last season and was selected to the All-NCHC Second Team. He also was an unanimous choice for the All-NCHC Rookie Team.
This year Blake is on pace for a career year. His 39 points this season are tied with Macklin Celebrini for fourth most in the entire NCAA.
The Carolina Hurricanes prospect is tied for third in the NCAA in goals with 17 and is tied for third in the NCAA in game-winning goals as well. His impressive offensive season is going a bit unnoticed.
Although there are players in front of him for goals and points, Blake should still be in the conversation as he has been North Dakota's best player this season. The No. 2 ranked Fighting Hawks would likely not be where they are today without Blake's contributions.