The Hockey Commissioners Association has announced the final three candidates for this year’s Mike Richter Award, given annually to the top goalie in men’s NCAA Division I hockey since 2014.
A watch list of 32 was reduced to 10 semifinalists and now, with playoffs underway, the final three have been chosen – Boston College freshman Jacob Fowler, Colorado College sophomore Kaidan Mbereko, and Wisconsin senior Kyle McClellan.
The winner of this year’s Mike Richter Award will be announced on April 12 during the NCAA Frozen Four in St. Paul, Minn.
Mike Richter enjoyed a phenomenal playing career, highlighted by 14 seasons with the New York Rangers, leading them to the Stanley Cup in 1994, their first in 54 years. A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Richter was outstanding on a number of USA Hockey teams, most notably the 1988 Olympic Team, the 1991 Canada Cup Team and as the MVP of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. He also played at Wisconsin and earned a degree from Yale.
Three Finalists for the 2024 Mike Richter Award
Jacob Fowler, Boston College
Fowler’s record of 27-5-1 gives him an NCAA best .833 winning percentage. His 2.23 goals against average and .923 save percentage also rank him among the nation’s leaders as he has put BC into a No. 1 ranking in the country.
Kaidan Mbereko, Colorado College
Mbereko put the Tigers on his shoulders in mid-season, winning eight of nine from mid-January to late February and allowing two goals or fewer in eight of those games. A workhorse with 2,227 minutes played, he has a 2.40 GAA and a save percentage of .915.
Kyle McClellan, Wisconsin
With the best save percentage in the NCAA (.931) and the second best GAA (1.92), McClellan has played a key role in the Badgers’ resurgence this year under first-year head coach Mike Hastings. He has recorded seven shutouts.
