University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey freshman goaltender Klayton Knapp has been named one of 35 goaltenders by the Hockey Commissioners Association who will compete for the Mike Richer Award, given annually to the top goalie in men's NCAA Division I hockey since 2014.

Knapp is one of eight netminders from the National College Hockey Conference to earn a spot on the list. A native of Waterville, Ohio, Knapp is coming off his first collegiate series sweep last weekend against then No. 10 St. Cloud State Univeristy. Knapp, the reigning NCHC Rookie of the Week, also logged his first shutout as a Bulldog on Friday, a 2-0 win against the Huskies. Overall, Knapp is 3-2-1 with a goals against average of 2.08 and a .915 saves percentage. Knapp is one of just five rookies to earn a spot on the list.

A committee of voters — made up of a cross section of coaches, administrators, scouts and media — will pare this list down to approximately a dozen semifinalists within the next three weeks and then ultimately choose a winner from three finalists who will be announced in April during the NCAA Frozen Four. NOTE: Goalies qualified by meeting minimum GAA (<2.30) and="" save="" percentage="" (="">.920) standards. Other names may be added for consideration before the first formal vote.