2002-2003 USHL Preview

The 2002-2003 USHL rings in a new era, first and most noticeable is that the USHL is now Tier 1. Tier 1 brings changes to the league such as minimum number of 17 year olds (1985 birth date) and a maximum number of 20 year olds (1982 birth date). Another change is the number of players on the roster; previously a team could carry 25 players on their roster, now the number is 23. The majority of the other requirements for Tier 1 were already met by the USHL. (i.e. paying for housing and travel expenses of the players, minimum attendance requirements, etc…). For more information on Tier 1 and the requirements visit USA Hockey Annual Guide.

Another change in the USHL is a new League President, Ellis Moose, III. Previously, Butch Johnson was the League’s President and Ellis was the Vice-President.

Two teams, Rochester and Tulsa will not be playing this season. Both teams have stopped operations. Omaha has moved across the Missouri River to Council Bluffs, IA and changed from the Omaha Lancers to the River City Lancers.

This season each team will play a 60 game schedule. Each team will play every team six times, three home and three regardless of the division. The teams that will play the USA 18 & Under team are Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Lincoln, River City, Topeka, Tri-City and Waterloo. These games will be exhibition games and do not count in the USHL standings as in years past. The divisions for this season are as follows:

The top eight (8) teams will participate in the Clark Cup play-offs. The Anderson Cup winner will receive the #1 seed, the winner of the other division will receive the #2 seed and 3-8 will be by position in the standings regardless of division.

Right now the picture of who will be on top come the end of March is as clear as mud. There was no clear-cut team who has stood out this pre-season and all teams have shown potential. This season will come down to the week of March 24th – 30th to determine who will make the play-offs.

Cedar Rapids Roughriders (2001-2002: 33-21-7 for 73 points)

The Roughriders start off this season with seven 1985’s. Joe Fallon (02/01/85, Goalie), Zachary Miskovic (05/08/85, Defense), Jacob Schuster (02/05/85, Defense), Sean Muncy (01/11/85, Forward), Derek Peltier (03/14/85, Defense), Brett Beckfeld (01/31/85, Forward) and Wes Russell (01/07/85, Goalie). With this many young players, expect some “growing pains”.

Along with the new players, the Roughriders have a new face behind the bench, Assistant Coach Eric Rud. Eric played in the USHL in 1991-1993 with the Des Moines Buccaneers under Bob Ferguson. Eric then went on to Colorado College from 1993-1997. From there he played in various minor leagues and teams, and a summer in the RHI with the Minnesota Blue Ox. He finished his professional career with the Idaho Steelheads of the WCHL.

Cedar Rapids seems to be poised to head to the top of the Eastern Division this season. The biggest question mark for the team will be between the pipes. Last season the Roughriders counted on Penguins’ prospect, Bobby Goepfert for over 75% of the minutes last season in net. This year they turn to two ‘85’s, Joe Fallon and Wes Russell. Joe was acquired through the USHL’s Dispersal Draft from Rochester. Joe logged 27 games, and 1,473 minutes with a 6-16-1 record and 3.95 average and 88.7% save percentage. Wes played last season with the Chicago Flames AAA.

Offensively, Cedar Rapids will be lead by returning forward Kevin Brooks, Chase Watson and Shawn Vinz. Leading the way defensively for the Roughriders will be Chris Snavely and Matt Olinger. Look for the Roughriders to start off quick with their returning firepower up front and blue liners and two capable net-minders.

If the goalies “hold their own” for majority of the season the Roughriders should be in the top three spots in the East.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 5, 1983 – 7, 1984 – 4, 1985 – 7.

Chicago Steel (2001-2002: 29-24-8 for 66 points)

There is a new coach for the Steel, A.J. Toews (pronounced as taves) for the 2002-2003 season. The previous head coach, Steve Richmond accepted a job with the Washington Capitals of the NHL. A.J. was an assistant coach with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders for the past two seasons.

Another common thread with the Roughriders is that the Steel start with a younger team then most other teams. The Chicago Steel have six 1985’s and one 1986 on their roster to start the 2002-2003 season. One of the Steel’s ‘85’s is starting his third year in the USHL, Topher Scott who is one of the USHL’s top ‘85’s. The Steel will look to Topher to lead their offensive attack along with former Buccaneer Rene Gauthier and Derek Anderson. The Steel picked up Billy Bagron in the dispersal draft from the Mustangs who will be looked upon to help up front as well.

The Steel will start fresh on the blue line with no returning veterans at defense. Holding down the blue line will be Colorado College recruit, Lee Sweatt and former USA 18 & Under player Mike Grenzy and former Michigan Tech player, Brady Greco.

Between the pipes, the Steel have Adam D’Alba returning along with Tampa Bay Lightning’s 5th round, 135th overall selection in the 2002 NHL draft, Joe Pearce.

If the Steel can come together as a team, they can make a run for the play-offs. I predict them in the 5th spot in the East.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 4, 1983 – 6, 1984 – 6, 1985 – 6, 1986 – 1.

Des Moines Buccaneers (2001-2002: 32-24-5 for 69 points)

The Des Moines Buccaneers look to rebound from a disappointing season last year. An early exit out of the play-offs left the fans and team disappointed. This year the Buccaneers start almost completely from scratch with only four returning players from last year, with only two of the returning players playing a full season. Ryan Dingle (Forward) and Evan Stoflet (Defense) played in all 61 games last season, while forwards Marty Guerin (who came over in early January in the Ryan Bennett trade with the Lancers) had a season-ending injury sustained in January of last season and Tommy Kolar played for 12 games with the Buccaneers after the end of his high school hockey season.

The Buccaneers look for help from the east and Minnesota for several players to fill the empty slots. A.J. Bucchino (Goalie, Avon Old Farms), Steve Wagner (Defense, Grand Rapids High School), Jay Bletzer (Defense, Walpole Jr Stars), Matt Burto (Forward, Avon Old Farms), Christian Beaudry (Defense, Syracuse Jr Crunch), Jamie Hoffman (Forward, New Ulm High School), Mike Franks (Forward, Burnsville High School), Bob Kenworthy (Defense, Philadelphia Jr Flyers), Casey Russell (Defense, Avon Old Farms) and Ben Geelan (Forward, Buffalo High School).

The Buccaneers have a more defensive-minded defensive crop this season and will have early “growing pains” with only one USHL veteran. Up front, the Buccaneers have a few seasoned Junior ‘A’ forwards with Marty Guerin, Mike Neilon, Eric Helstedt, Denny Reagan, Ryan Dingle, Bryce Anderson, Tommy Kolar and Jon Rudnick.

Predict to see the Buccaneers vying for the top spot from the East in the final week; they should finish in the top three in their division.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 3, 1983 – 7, 1984 – 12, 1985 – 3.

Green Bay Gamblers (2001-2002: 35-20-6 for 76 points)

The Gamblers start the season in a new arena, Resch Arena. Besides a new arena, the Gamblers landed a top prospect in Wes O’Neill from Essex, Ontario. Wes was predicted to be the #1 draft pick this year in the OHL, but wanted to keep his options available to go to a Division 1 college. He is only 16 years old and stands 6’4” 200 lbs.

The Gamblers are returning several key defensemen back from last season; Dan Venard, Jake Taylor and Brandon Longley. Maybe the Gamblers’ biggest returning defense personnel is their net minder, Eric Pfligler. Eric logged over 89% of the time between the pipes last year for the Gamblers. Eric is extremely quick and agile and is very difficult to beat with his quick reflexes. Gamblers brought in a strong prospect in Josh Johnson to help in net. To help reinforce their defense, the Gamblers have also added Jonathon Ralph, Kyle Klubertanz and Noah Babin.

Up front the Gamblers have veterans in Josh Hansen, Troy Lother, Kelly Plude, Brett Coburn and Bret Adams. Joining these five veteran forwards are: Nate Higgins, Pete Rouleau, Corey Couturier, Matt Miskovich, Critter Nagurski and Ryan Carter.

Gamblers will be competing for the top slot in the East. I predict a top three finish in the East.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 5, 1983 – 7, 1984 – 4, 1985 – 6, 1986 – 2.

Waterloo Black Hawks (2001-2002: 21-38-2 for 44 points)

The Waterloo Black Hawks start off the 2002-2003 season under new leadership. A familiar face in the USHL is back; P.K. O’Handley is the new head coach for the Black Hawks this season. P.K. was an assistant coach for the Florida Everblades (ECHL) since 1998. P.K. was an assistant coach at Florida under Bob Ferguson from 1998 and until 2001, when Bob returned to the USHL. Prior to coaching in Florida, P.K. was the head coach (now Cedar Rapids Roughriders) then North Iowa Huskies from 1991-1998.

The Black Hawks are returning 13 players from last year’s team and three other players with Junior ‘A’ experience. Jim Jensen (Defense), Rob Lehtinen (Defense), Marco Trevino (Forward), Joel Hanson (Forward), Mike Dagenais (Forward), Ross Carlson (Forward), Trevor Stewart (Forward), Neil Sheehan (Forward), Chris Margott (Forward), Nathan Fornataro (Defense), Jake Schwan (Forward), Andy Nelson (Forward) and Jeff Jakaitis (Goalie) are returning this season to the Black Hawks. Goaltender, Jordan Parise joins the team from the Pittsburgh Forge of the NAHL, defensemen, Jon Saunders was picked up in the dispersal draft from the Tulsa Crude and forward, Derek Whitmore from the Butte Irish of the AWHL all will add experience to the already veteran line-up.

The Black Hawks will go through less “growing pains” then most teams in the East this season due to their many returning players. They will look for scoring from Ross Carlson, Andy Nelson and Joel Hanson. Jim Jensen, Jon Saunders, Rob Lehtinen and Nathan Fornataro will patrol the blue line and clear out the front of the net for them. -

Look for them to jump out of the gates early with their returning players. They could make a run at the top slot if they can sustain their drive with other teams finding themselves throughout the season.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 4, 1983 – 9, 1984 – 7, 1985 – 4.

Lincoln Stars (2001-2002: 43-15-3 for 89 points)

Once again Coach Steve Johnson will be returning a competitive team to the ice in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Stars will return 10 faces from last season to battle again for the Anderson and Clark Cup.

Lincoln is the only team that didn’t have to replace a net minder this season. Philippe Lamoureux and Nate Ziegelman return to share duties in net for the Stars. Steve also added goaltender, Ross Cherry in the dispersal draft from Tulsa to the line-up. There seems to be two concerns asked in the Lincoln camp, 1) what will they do with three goaltenders and 2) they have 2 players that will possibly only play for them before and after their high school hockey season. This poses a big question with the roster size now only 23 players, they could possibly play a good portion of their season with only 21 players and 3 being goalies.

Lincoln is returning two defensemen, Ethan Graham and Mike Eickman. Keith Rodger, Dave Carlisle, Mike Nesdill, Robbie Bina and Jesse Lindenberg look to strengthen the Stars defense.

The Stars return high-caliber forwards this season. Ryan Potulny, David Backes, Dan Irmen, Mike Fournier, Luke Erickson and John Snowden will lead the charge for the Stars. Brent Borgen, Ben Gordon, Chris Porter, Tyler Magura, Mick Berge, Matt Hayek and Joel Gaspar look to add to the potent Stars offense.

The Stars compete in the Wild Wild West and could challenge for the Cup this year. But with the parity in the league, I predict they will be in the middle of the pack.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 4, 1983 – 5, 1984 – 9, 1985 – 4.

River City Lancers (2001-2002: 46-12-3 for 95 points)

Omaha Lancers, oops, I mean the River City Lancers start the defense of their Anderson Cup in a new city and new arena. The Lancers moved across the Missouri River to Council Bluffs, IA.

Last season, the Lancers used a stingy defense and strong goaltending to lead them to the Anderson Cup and the Clark Cup finals. It will be no different this season. The Lancers return with Dominic Vicari in net and Tim Cook, Jason Dest and Grant Clafton at defense and have added Travis Anderson, Kyle Hood and Matt Carle to the blue line. Dominic should be considered the #1 goalie in the league this season with no Bobby and Marty Magers.

The offense might be the only question for the Lancers. Yale Lewis, T.J. Jindra, Bryan Baron and Brian Burns are the returners up front, but with Nate Raduns, Paul Stastny and Charlie Kronschnabel joining them the Lancers should see the Win column quite a few times this season.

Look for the Lancer to challenge for the Anderson Cup this season again.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 4, 1983 – 6, 1984 – 10, 1985 – 3, 1986 – 1.

Sioux City Musketeers (2001-2002: 41-16-4 for 86 points)

Sioux City starts their defense of the Clark Cup this season. The biggest question to start the season is in net with the departure of Andy Franck and Kris Mayotte - who would fill in? When Eddie Neville, their draftee from Capital Centre Pride (NAHL) was a “no-show”, it appeared they might have some problems in the crease; but a pre-season trade with the Topeka Scarecrows bringing Eric Aarnio to man the pipes has answered this question. Eric looked very capable of leading the Musketeers back to the play-offs.

Arthur Femenella, Nathan Schwatzbauer, Justin Fletcher, Michael Hodgson and David Deterding return to defend the blue line along with Sean Collins and Johann Kroll. B.J. Greaves, Brandon Polich and Mike Ramirez along with the new forwards Grant Zoeller-Goeckner, Joel Maas and Peter Cartwright will put points on the scoreboard.

With the addition of Aarnio the Musketeers seem to have the necessary pieces to return to the top. It will be a close race for the Anderson Cup, but I predict the Musketeers claiming the Anderson Cup this year.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 5, 1983 – 6, 1984 – 8, 1985 – 2, 1986 – 1.

Sioux Falls (2001-2002: 35-21-5 for 75 points)

The 2002-2003 edition of the Sioux Falls Stampede will have a different flavor then previous Stampede teams. This year’s team you won’t have to play the National Anthem to get them to the defensive zone. The team is not all defense, but more focused on defense then previously. They still have offensive talent in returning veterans, Jason Moul and Jacob Micflikier and with additions of A.J. Greco and Derek Patrosso look for the Stampede to still find the net. Stampede picked up Joe Schuman from the Storm and Jake Luthi from the Musketeers, they have added needed defense to their line-up. Look for Joe to be the leading defensemen on the Stampede, as he will be called upon to be the QB on the power play and clear out the front of the net on the penalty kill.

Look for other veterans to step up for the Stampede in Alex Foster, Jeremy Smith, Kelly Sullivan, Mike Vannelli, Merit Waldrop and Chris Wothe to help fill in where needed. Look for added support from their additions of Steve Canter and Steve Dusich to add some scoring punch.

Between the pipes, the Stampede will count on Kellen Briggs to be the main stay. Kellen is in his third season with the Stampede and should be one of the top net minders in the USHL.

The Stampede should make the play-offs, but are in the Wild Wild West, with the likes of Lincoln, River City, Sioux City, Topeka and Tri-City makes it difficult in the standings. Look for a top four finish in the West for them.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 4, 1983 – 11, 1984 – 6, 1985 – 3.

Topeka Scarecrows (2001-2002: 25-30-6 for 56 points)

Topeka enters their second season in the USHL looking to make the play-offs. Coach Bliss Littler looks to build with ten returners and three other USHL veterans to make a run at the play-offs this season. The Scarecrows claimed the Buc Bowl this season with five points out of their three games. Their only non-win was a shootout lose to Chicago.

The Scarecrows have five returning defensemen to help their potentially dangerous offense. Phil Angell and Mark Buchholz will patrol the blue line along with other returners Ryan Peterson, Will Parr and Brent Cummings. Newcomer, Tony Gliniany will add size on defense. Scarecrows also picked up Layne Sedevie in a trade with Sioux Falls to help between the pipes.

Offensively, the Scarecrows have Eric Vesely, Eric Fabian and J.P. Platisha back along with the addition of Wade Harstad from the Storm and Rob Rankin from Michigan Tech the Scarecrows will be an offense to worry about.

Scarecrows could make the play-offs this year. They need to start off strong and sustain their drive. Like other in their division, it is the Wild Wild West and look for the Scarecrows to finish strong but fall short of the play-offs.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 5, 1983 – 9, 1984 – 6, 1985 – 3.

Tri-City Storm (2001-2002: 27-30-4 for 58 points)

Tri-City enters their third season in central Nebraska and look to return to Clark Cup play. Like several teams in the USHL, the Storm has added new coaches to their staff, Regg Simon another former player for Bob Ferguson in the USHL and Tom Kowal; both have become assistants this season. Regg becomes the 7th former player under Bob Ferguson to coach in the USHL and Tom becomes the first Mike Hastings’ pupil to stand behind the bench in the USHL. Both Tom and Regg played for the University of Alaska-Anchorage, but were on rival teams while in the USHL, Regg in Des Moines and Tom in Omaha.

The Storm finished the 2001-2002 campaign strong, but not strong enough to make the play-offs. They hope not to start off slow, which has hindered them in the past. They will look to Patrick Borgestad, Matt Scherer and David Boguslawski for veteran leadership from the forwards and with the additions of Mark Agnew, Marty Mjelleli, Mark Van Guilder, Scott Parse, Bill Thomas and T.J. Dahl they should be capable of lighting a few red lights this year.

Scott Foyt, Chris Nathe and Chad Anderson will be joined by Brian Kilburg and Thomas Morrow to hold down the defensive end for the Storm. Now Sioux City’s Arthur Femenella has someone to play with this season … Thomas Morrow. Thomas comes in at 6’6” and 205 lbs. Thomas does have a touch with the puck at the point and is able to generate some scoring opportunities.

The Storm should make the play-offs this season but with River City and Sioux City in the same division, it will be a challenge to claim the #1 or #2 slot.

Roster make-up by birth date: 1982 – 5, 1983 – 7, 1984 – 8, 1985 – 1, 1986 – 2.

The Bottom Line

I predict Sioux City will make claim to yet another cup this year with their returning crew and the Lancers will be hot on their heels. There will not be a large difference in points from top to bottom this season with few teams and strong competition. From 1st to 11th I predict the most the point difference will be is 30 points and difference between 8th and 11th will be less then eight points.

DROP THE PUCK!

By: Kevin Kasel (kjkasel@mchsi.com)

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