Max McHugh
Make it Max?
UAH sophomore center Max McHugh is one of the opening nominees for the Hobey Baker Award. Fan voting has begun on Facebook.
McHugh leads the Chargers with 20 points this season on six goals and a team-high 14 assists. He is currently tied for fourth in the WCHA in points and tied for second in assists.
Fans can vote once every 24 hours, and the top 10 candidates will advance. The Hobey Baker Award will be presented during the Frozen Four in Tampa on April 8.
Other WCHA nominees include Kyle Schempp and Gerald Mayhew of Ferris State, Alex Petan and Jamie Phillips of Michigan Tech, Dominik Shine and Atte Tolvanen of Northern Michigan, Chris Nell of Bowling Green, and Tyler Morley of Alaska.
Talbot’s new deal: UAH alumnus Cam Talbot signed a three-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday.
Talbot, in his first season with Edmonton after being traded by the New York Rangers in the offseason, has a 2.56 goals against average and a .915 save percentage in 27 games this season.
Talbot played for the Chargers from 2007-10, posting a 3.03 goals against average and .909 save percentage in 70 games.
Saulnier suspended: Forward Brennan Saulnier has been suspended for two games by the WCHA, which will keep him from the lineup when the Chargers visit Alaska Anchorage on Jan. 29-30. He’ll be eligible to play Feb. 12-13 against Minnesota State.
Saulnier had received a game misconduct penalty for contact to the head of a Ferris State player in the first period of Saturday’s 4-1 loss.
Saulnier was suspended one game for a similar infraction at Lake Superior State on Oct. 30. He’s third on the Chargers with 16 points, and tied for second in goals with six.
Up next: The Chargers are off this weekend, preparing for a critical series at Alaska Anchorage on Jan. 29 and 30. After another off week, UAH hosts WCHA-leader Minnesota State on Feb. 12 and 13.
UAH finds itself needing wins desperately in Anchorage, where the Chargers have never won (0-13 since 1987). The Chargers are five points behind eighth place and the final playoff spot, currently held by both Alaska Anchorage and Alaska.