“Hockey Night” crew picks first half superlatives, pt. 2

“Hockey Night” crew picks first half superlatives, pt. 2

By Marty Joseph and Brian Farrell

Men’s Ice Hockey

Most Valuable Player: Jeremy Langlois

MJ - No doubt about this one, Langlois is the MVP of this team so far. He leads the team with 12 goals and 19 points, and his six power play goals have him tied for second in the nation. He has been the biggest difference maker for the Bobcats all season. The Bobcats are 6-0-2 when he scores a goal, just proving his importance to this team.

Breakout Player of the First Half: Zach Tolkinen

MJ - You can’t help but love what Tolkinen brings to this team. Tolkinen has stepped up and solidified himself as a presence on the blue-line. He has improved from three points in 25 games last season to two goals and eight points in 17 games this season. His intensity and physical play has been vital to the Bobcats success this season along with his heavy shot which makes him a key aspect to the Bobcat’s power play.

Player to Watch: Eric Hartzell

MJ - The toughest thing for a goaltender is playing through adversity and remaining positive. The Bobcats goal scoring slump in the month of November lead to losses and ties in games that Hartzell played well enough to win. With the slump apparently over, look for Hartzell to excel down the stretch and remain on his current puck-stopping tear.

Most Valuable Player: Jeremy Langlois

BF - He’s been a go-to all season long for goals. Without him, the QU power play doesn’t perform like it did at the beginning of the year.

Breakout Player of the First Half: Zach Tolkinen

BF - Tolkinen has been a beast the past few weekends. He was the key player in the Union tie and the RPI win. Those games proved to be major points, and he was a big part of that.

Player to Watch: Ben Arnt

BF - Ben Arnt is a player that has flown under the radar this season. I see him having potential to make a spot for himself on the top two lines next season and during the second half of the season I see that happening.

Women’s Ice Hockey

Most Valuable Player: Kelly Babstock

MJ - Clear MVP of the team. Her 11 goals and 24 points lead the team. Her 13 assists also is tied for the team lead which shows her two-dimensional ability. Look for her to continue her success in the second half of the season.

Breakout Player of the First Half: Nicole Kosta

MJ - Kosta has exceeded her expectations as a freshman. Her 13 assists are tied for the team lead with Kelly Babstock. Her +9 rating also leads the team in that category and shows she has been on the ice and contributing in key parts of games.

Player to Watch: Breann Frykas

MJ - Frykas is slowly starting to come around for the Bobcats. It’s never easy learning a new system and it takes time to become fully involved. Now with the first half of the season in the books, look for Frykas to come out strong in the second half. Coming from Wisconsin, she’ll bring key playoff leadership to the Bobcats during the ECAC tournament.

Most Valuable Player: Kelly Babstock

BF - When Babstock doesn’t score the Bobcats just aren’t the same team. Babstock has paved the way for Bobcat forwards, and she has shown that some of the nation’s best can play in Hamden.

Breakout Player of the First Half: Nicole Kosta

BF - Kosta has proven to be a powerful second option, and it shows in the statistics.

Player to Watch: Breann Frykas

BF - Frykas is starting to turn things on. She’s played defense and forward, and now that she knows what it’s like to play defense, I see her being able to play smarter as a forward.