2013 Frozen Four: Hellebuyck learning well from goaltending mentors

by DJ Powers
on

Connor Hellebuyck - University of Massachusetts Lowell

Photo: UMass Lowell goaltender and Winnipeg Jets prospect Connor Hellebuyck has been a driving force in the River Hawks second half surge to the 2013 Frozen Four (courtesy of Fred Kfoury/Icon SMI)

UMass Lowell freshman goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) has been a big reason behind the River Hawks’ successful run into the Frozen Four. He currently leads the nation in several categories, including goals-against average (1.31) and save percentage (.953). His six shutouts are also tied for the most nationally.

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2013 Frozen Four: O’Gara part of productive freshman class at Yale

by DJ Powers
on

2013 NCAA Frozen Four

Article: Hockey's Future chats with Yale defenseman and Boston Bruins prospect Rob O'Gara at the 2013 NCAA Frozen Four in Pittsburgh, PA.

Freshman defenseman Rob O’Gara (BOS) has been a part of a Yale frosh class that has been instrumental in helping the school reach the Frozen Four, primarily due to their stepped up play and contributions. O’Gara has continually garnered more ice time which has also greatly benefited his development. The Nesconset, NY native has posted six points (all assists) in 35 games to date.

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2013 Frozen Four: NCAA title assured of going to first-time winner

by DJ Powers
on

Scott Wilson - University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Photo: UMass Lowell forward and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Scott Wilson heads into the Frozen Four on the heels of a strong performance in the NCAA regionals (courtesy of Michael Tureski/Icon SMI)

The four-team field is now set for the 2013 NCAA Frozen Four, which takes place at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA on Apr. 11th and 13th. None of the four teams taking part in this year's tournament have won an NCAA hockey title, so there will be a new national champion that will also win their program’s first-ever National Championship.

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Gaudreau, Hartzell and Leblanc named Hobey Baker finalists

by DJ Powers
on

Drew Leblanc - St. Cloud State University

Photo: St. Cloud State forward and captain Drew Leblanc (R) bounced back from an injury-shortened 2011-12 campaign to turn in what could be a Hobey Baker-worthy season in his senior year (courtesy of Scott W. Grau/Icon SMI)

The top three finalists for this year’s Hobey Baker Award have been announced. Boston College sophomore and Calgary Flames prospect Johnny Gaudreau, Quinnipiac senior Eric Hartzell and St. Cloud State red-shirted senior Drew Leblanc comprise this year’s “Hobey Hat Trick”. Each year, the award recognizes the top collegiate player who excels both on and off the ice.

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Olkinuora making the most of his opportunities with DU

by Justin Felisko
on

Juho Olkinuora - Denver University

Photo: The season is over for Juho Olkinuora and his Denver University teammates, but the Pioneers' goaltender has come out of nowhere to the point where he is now on the NHL's radar (courtesy of Fred Kfoury/Icon SMI)

Two years ago, Juho Olkinuora was an unknown. After going 14-13 with a 2.78 goals-against average in 2011 for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL, the Helsinki native returned home to Finland empty-handed with no scholarship offers to play college hockey in the United States.

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