The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Committee announced today the 2023 recipient of college hockey’s top individual prize is Adam Fantilli from the University of Michigan. The announcement came during a live broadcast on NHL Network and hobeybaker.com.
Adam Fantilli is a freshman who made an immediate impact when he came to the University of Michigan this season. The Nobleton, Ontario native has been one of the most electric players to watch in college hockey with his knowledge of the game and offensive skillset.
Fantilli is a force to be reckoned with whenever he is on the ice. This season, he played on the power play, penalty kill, took big faceoffs, and was on the ice in all end of game situations. His combination of skill, hockey sense, and compete has impacted the game in all areas when he’s been on the ice.
He was a vital piece to the Wolverines trip to the Frozen Four, and is the NCAA point leader with 65. His impressive numbers don’t end there as he is tied for first in the nation in goals with 30, fifth in assists at 35, and leads the nation in points per game with a 1.81 average.
The Big Ten named Fantilli Freshman of the Year, First Team All Conference, and to the All Freshman Team. In addition to his standout freshman season at Michigan, Fantilli helped lead Canada to a gold medal at the 2023 World Junior Championships, and had five points in seven games. At 18 years old, he is expected to be a top three pick at the 2023 NHL Draft.
Top Ten:
• Currently has 27 goals and 33 assists for 60 points (NCAA point leader) through 32 games played this season
• A top prospect eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, and is expected to be a top three pick
• Won a gold medal at the 2023 World Junior Championships – had five points in seven games
Player Stats
| Type | Season | Team Name | League | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Season | 2024-2025 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 31 | 23 | 54 | 18 | 4 |
| Current Season | 2024-2025 | Canada | WC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Hobey Winning Season | 2022-2023 | Univ. of Michigan | NCAA | 30 | 35 | 65 | 67 | 31 |
2023 Runner Up
Knies has the size, strength, power, and speed that he uses consistently to make him a key
player on the ice. He currently ranks sixth in the nation with 21 goals, including seven game winning goals which is the most in the nation. He was named the Big Ten Player of
the Year and First Team All Conference.
- Leads NCAA with seven game winning goals – all scored against teams ranking top 15 in the nation
- 2021 2nd round pick, selected 57th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs
- Is a Rink Roots participant where players run an on-ice clinic for kids in a local community – put on a summer hockey camp for kids of all ages in the Phoenix area
With an excellent skating ability that matches his compete level, Cooley has been one of the most exciting players to watch in college hockey this season. The freshman forward was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes third overall at the 2022 NHL Draft. He currently is fourth in the nation in scoring with 50 points and sits fifth in assists. He has been named to the Big Ten conference’s All Freshman Team and First Team All Conference.
- Led all B1G players by earning five Star of the Week honors
- Is 7th in Minnesota history for scoring by a freshman – most points by a first-year since Phil Kessel had 51 points in 2005-06
- Leads all NCAA players with a +32 rating and has a positive plus-minus in 21 outings