This Hobey race really is getting to that point where its anyones gue s which way it could go. That makes it a little more exciting, though. The top of the national scoring charts is awfully crowded, a few goalies are making really strong cases and most of the conferences have multiple candidates. Its truly a national race this year.Ryan Walters of Nebraska-Omaha and Greg Carey of St. Lawrence are co-owners of the national scoring lead with 42 points, but there is a host of players right behind them. Walters retained the top spot again this week for keeping pace with his national scoring lead.The rest of the list was a lot harder to determine. There are just so many good options. So to be a little more inclusive, here are a few notes on the guys who didnt make our top four this week. Carey was the first player to reach 20 goals this season. But with St. Lawrences struggles in its conference standings, its going to be tough for him to get votes. Also, literally half of his points have come on Chris Paddack Jersey the power play. Thats not really a knock on Carey, but its something that voters will definitely take into account, especially when comparing to Walters, who has only nine of 42 points on the power play.North Dakotas Danny Kristo made the list this week, but teammate Corban Knight did not. Its really a struggle to look at the two and determine which has been more valuable. Theres a chance both could end up in the top three for the Hobey at the end of the year, but Kristo has the slight edge with the variety of ways that he impacts a game offensively.Drew LeBlanc has the most a sists in the country with 30. He also is captaining the St. Cloud State Huskies to first place in the WCHA. He should be in the hunt to the very end. Quinnipiacs Eric Hartzell and Niagaras Carsen Chubak are the goaltenders making the biggest impact for succe sful teams this year. Both are among the leaders in every major goaltending category and are backstopping two of the most surprising teams in the country. With the bevy of offensive guys contributing in such a large way, its going to be tough for the goalies this year, but these two have a case.1. Ryan Walters -- Nebraska-OmahaPosition: ForwardCla s: JuniorComment:Though UNO was swept by North Dakota last weekend, Walters kept his Hobey candidacy alive and well with a goal and an a sist. Despite some inconsistent play from the Mavericks this year, they're still in the hunt for the WCHA regular-season title. Walters has accounted for 16 percent of the total offense for his team, which is no small number. The competition is still coming on strong, but Walters remains in the lead.2. Johnny Gaudreau -- Boston CollegePosition: ForwardCla s: SophomoreComment:After his three-point performance in the Beanpot title game, Gaudreau's legend at Boston College just continues to grow. He leads the nation with 1.57 points per game and six game-winning goals. What makes Gaudreau's production all the more impre sive this year is that he's a true sophomore. He didn't come into school as a 19- or 20-year-old like many hockey players. This might not win him high marks with the voters, but what he's doing at his age and size in college hockey is just mind-boggling.3. Danny Kristo -- North DakotaPosition: ForwardCla s: SeniorComment:Kristo has become one of the most exciting players to watch in all of college hockey. His blinding speed, good puck skills and slick release give him that edge-of-your-seat quality. He's also fifth in national scoring with 39 points and second in goals with 18. He has eight points in his last five games, including four goals. As North Dakota makes a post-season push, expect Kristo to elevate his game. The Montreal Canadiens prospect is going to be heard from a lot before this year is out.4. Kevin Goumas -- New HampshirePosition: ForwardCla s: JuniorComment:Dave Starman got another up-close look at Goumas last Sunday, when CBS Sports Network rolled into Durham, N.H., for the Wildcats' tilt with Providence. Starman is convinced Goumas is still a top candidate for this award. Though Goumas' production has slowed from its furious pace earlier in the year, he is clearly the Wildcats' MVP. He leads the team with 32 points and 22 a sists, accounting for 14 percent of the UNH attack. He has good speed and terrific hands and, as the Wildcats have to bear down for a post-season run, he'll have to continue to key the offense.Others to Watch:Corban Knight F Sr. -- North DakotaGreg Carey F Jr. -- St. LawrenceCarsen Chubak G Jr. -- NiagaraEric Hartzell G Sr. -- QuinnipiacErik Haula F Jr. -- Minnesota Zack Weiss Jersey