“Best decision I ever made” – Dryden McKay reacts on winning Hobey Baker Award as top college player
Follow Us
Dryden McKay
Dryden McKay, a goaltender from Minnesota State University, clinched the Hobey Baker Award on Friday. The 24-year-old senior was voted the top men’s player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) ice hockey this season.
He was named ahead of finalists Bobby Brink, a Philadelphia Flyers forward prospect from the University of Denver, and Ben Meyers, an undrafted forward from the University of Minnesota.
McKay, who was earlier not selected in the National Hockey League (NHL) Draft, can now sign with any team after the national championship game against Denver on Saturday.
Also Read | “It’s a bit worrisome” – Panthers’ coach Andrew Brunette says ‘can’t rely on comebacks’
“I want to thank my parents. Every step of the way, they’ve been there for me,” McKay said, as quoted by NHL.com. “My dad showing me a love for the game at an early age and making it pretty easy to become a goalie. My mom, there were a lot of long car rides, [and] it wasn’t always easy for her before GPS. We had some interesting rides to the rinks at times but through it all, they were there for me. There were ups and there were downs, and they mean the world to me.”
“Minnesota State has become a second home for me”
McKay became the first player from Minnesota State to win the award. He is also the third goalie to win the award and first since Ryan Miller (Michigan State) in 2001.
The Illinois native McKay has an NCAA-record 34 shutouts in his four college seasons and is second in wins. The youngster is also the only goalie in NCAA history with at least 10 shutouts in three consecutive seasons.
“I want to thank my teammates at Minnesota State. They’re my best friends and it’s been the best four years of my life and without them, I wouldn’t be up here,” he added. “Minnesota State has become a second home for me, and it was the best decision I ever made.”
Also Read | “Proud day for our organization” – Owen Power, No. 1 pick in 2021 Draft signs contract with Sabres
Stay Updated!
Sachin Arora
(2527 Articles Published)