TEMPE – Sun Devil Hockey has two players nominated for the prestigious Hobey Baker Memorial Award, an annual award for the most valuable player in college hockey.
Senior forward Robert Mastrosimone and sophomore goaltender TJ Semptimphelter are two of the 82 NCAA student-athletes nominated for the award, announced on Thursday.
Mastrosimone came to Arizona State from Boston University and has played in all 25 games for the Sun Devils. Mastrosimone rules the Sun Devil stat sheet, outpacing his teammates in goals (8), assists (17), and points (25). He's made a huge impact in the shots category with 91, which is ranked third among all NCAA skaters. He averages 3.79 shots per game. Both of his marks in assists and points ranks within the top 15 nationally.
This season, Mastrosimone has been the go-to in do-or-die situations. Two of his eight goals went down as game-winning goals, both against ranked opponents in blockbuster moments.
His first game-winning goal came against then-ranked No. 6 North Dakota in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game on October 29, 2022 in Las Vegas. He scored just 24 seconds into the third period to break a 2-2 tie with one of the most storied and historically-dominant programs in college hockey.
The second game-winning goal happened at Mullett Arena on November 26, 2022 against then-ranked No. 1/2 Minnesota. After a back-and-forth battle through regulation, Mastrosimone stood up as the overtime hero. He notched the game-winning goal in 3-on-3 OT three minutes and ten seconds into extra time, giving ASU its highest-ranked win in Sun Devil Hockey history.
TJ Semptimphelter has been the sole owner of the crease for Sun Devils this season. Semptimphelter racked in 785 saves in 25 starts and boasts a .920 save percentage and 2.77 goals against average so far this season. Semptimphelter is chasing after records set by former ASU goaltender and Hobey Baker award nominee Joey Daccord. With Semptimphelter's four shutouts this season, he now ranks second in single season shutouts in program history behind Daccord's seven in 2018-19. In December against then-No. 1 Denver, Semptimphelter tied Daccord's record for most saves in a single game at 53 saves.
In addition to his nomination for the Hobey Baker Award, Semptimphelter is also on the watch list for the Mike Richter Award. He is the second goaltender for the Sun Devils who has been both nominated for the Hobey Baker and the Mike Richter Award in the same season. Joey Daccord was also nominated for both awards in the 2018-19 season.
HISTORY OF ASU NOMINEES FOR THE HOBEY BAKER AWARD
2022-23: TJ Semptimphelter (G) and Robert Mastrosimone (F)
2021-22: Colin Theisen (F) and Matthew Kopperud (F)
2018-19: Joey Daccord (G) and Johnny Walker (F)
ABOUT THE HOBEY BAKER AWARD REQUIREMENTS
• Exhibit strength and character, both on and off the ice
• Contribute to the integrity of the team
• Display outstanding skills in all phases of the game
• Show scholastic achievement and sportsmanship
Candidates must also comply with all NCAA rules, be full-time students in an accredited NCAA college or university, and complete 50% or more of the season.
The Hobey Baker Award was named for hockey legend and World War I veteran Hobey Baker. Universally recognized as the best amateur player in the United States, Baker was the ultimate gentleman sportsman, always playing the game with courage, honor, and humility.
Senior forward Robert Mastrosimone and sophomore goaltender TJ Semptimphelter are two of the 82 NCAA student-athletes nominated for the award, announced on Thursday.
Mastrosimone came to Arizona State from Boston University and has played in all 25 games for the Sun Devils. Mastrosimone rules the Sun Devil stat sheet, outpacing his teammates in goals (8), assists (17), and points (25). He's made a huge impact in the shots category with 91, which is ranked third among all NCAA skaters. He averages 3.79 shots per game. Both of his marks in assists and points ranks within the top 15 nationally.
This season, Mastrosimone has been the go-to in do-or-die situations. Two of his eight goals went down as game-winning goals, both against ranked opponents in blockbuster moments.
His first game-winning goal came against then-ranked No. 6 North Dakota in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game on October 29, 2022 in Las Vegas. He scored just 24 seconds into the third period to break a 2-2 tie with one of the most storied and historically-dominant programs in college hockey.
flying high ??@rmastro9424 /// #O2V pic.twitter.com/p6zBeKcMAn
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) October 30, 2022
The second game-winning goal happened at Mullett Arena on November 26, 2022 against then-ranked No. 1/2 Minnesota. After a back-and-forth battle through regulation, Mastrosimone stood up as the overtime hero. He notched the game-winning goal in 3-on-3 OT three minutes and ten seconds into extra time, giving ASU its highest-ranked win in Sun Devil Hockey history.
GAME WINNER MASTRO F****** SIMONE!!! pic.twitter.com/YKRW0ewL1o
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) November 27, 2022
TJ Semptimphelter has been the sole owner of the crease for Sun Devils this season. Semptimphelter racked in 785 saves in 25 starts and boasts a .920 save percentage and 2.77 goals against average so far this season. Semptimphelter is chasing after records set by former ASU goaltender and Hobey Baker award nominee Joey Daccord. With Semptimphelter's four shutouts this season, he now ranks second in single season shutouts in program history behind Daccord's seven in 2018-19. In December against then-No. 1 Denver, Semptimphelter tied Daccord's record for most saves in a single game at 53 saves.
SHEESH TJ ?? pic.twitter.com/wvsuaiea93
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) December 31, 2022
In addition to his nomination for the Hobey Baker Award, Semptimphelter is also on the watch list for the Mike Richter Award. He is the second goaltender for the Sun Devils who has been both nominated for the Hobey Baker and the Mike Richter Award in the same season. Joey Daccord was also nominated for both awards in the 2018-19 season.
HISTORY OF ASU NOMINEES FOR THE HOBEY BAKER AWARD
2022-23: TJ Semptimphelter (G) and Robert Mastrosimone (F)
2021-22: Colin Theisen (F) and Matthew Kopperud (F)
2018-19: Joey Daccord (G) and Johnny Walker (F)
ABOUT THE HOBEY BAKER AWARD REQUIREMENTS
• Exhibit strength and character, both on and off the ice
• Contribute to the integrity of the team
• Display outstanding skills in all phases of the game
• Show scholastic achievement and sportsmanship
Candidates must also comply with all NCAA rules, be full-time students in an accredited NCAA college or university, and complete 50% or more of the season.
The Hobey Baker Award was named for hockey legend and World War I veteran Hobey Baker. Universally recognized as the best amateur player in the United States, Baker was the ultimate gentleman sportsman, always playing the game with courage, honor, and humility.