The East Division race should be much closer this year than it has been in previous years, with Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Chicago battling it out for bragging rights.
1. CEDAR RAPIDS ROUGHRIDERS
In his first United States Hockey League season, Cedar Rapids goaltender Bobby Goepfert posted a 2.92 goals against average, a 91.6 percent save percentage, and a 25-12-4 record.
In his second season, the Roughriders hope Goepfert can lead them to their first championship since moving to Cedar Rapids two years ago.
While Goepfert is the main reason for optimism in Cedar Rapids this fall, ten other players return from last year's squad, which was impressive in the second half of the season after starting slow. Leading the way offensively is South Boston native Danny O'Brien, who posted 14 goals and 38 points in 54 games last season.
O'Brien is hardly alone, however, as the Roughriders boast a deep offensive attack. Veteran forwards Corey Carlson (5-6-11), Joe Gasparini (6-11-17), Tony Gill (4-9-13), Chase Watson (12-20-32), Ted O'Leary (6-9-15), and Jimmy Spiewak (0-2-2 in 5 games) are all expected to make significant contributions. Junior A veterans Todd Bentley (Compuware, North American League) and Nate Meyers (Soo Indians, North American League) add to one of the league's best collection of forwards.
Cedar Rapids' defensive corps look strong as well, anchored by veterans P.J. Atherton (4-9-13), Matt Olinger (0-3-3), and Chris Snavely (0-5-5). Steve Burgess was a North American League all-star with Compuware last season, and Kyle Larman joins the Roughriders from the North American League's Capital City Pride.
Goepfert will likely play the vast majority of games in goal, with Bismarck, N.D., native Scot Mickelson hoping to see time as the backup.
The biggest obstacle for the Roughriders might be the start of the season, as Cedar Rapids plays 16 of their first 19 games away from the friendly confines of the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. The inverse, however, is the fact that the Roughriders play 23 of their final 31 games at home, including their last seven games of the season. If the Roughriders are close by the end of November, they are a good bet to win the East Division.
KEY QUESTION: Will the Roughriders come out of the first 19 games with a reasonable record? If they do, they are the favorites in the East.
PREDICTION: This is unquestionably the best team the Roughriders have iced in their three years in Cedar Rapids. They are solid in every position, and the presence of Goepfert in net will make the Roughriders contenders in the playoffs. With a few breaks, the Roughriders could raise the first championship banner in the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.
2. DES MOINES BUCCANEERS
In most cities, going two seasons without any kind of a championship banner is not considered to be a major problem.
Des Moines, however, is not most cities. Following a decade that saw the Buccaneers raise 10 championship banners in the Metro Ice Sports Arena, Des Moines has been left empty-handed the past two seasons.
It is into this Montreal Canadiens-like environment that a familiar face takes over the coaching reins. Bob Ferguson, who has three Junior A national championships to his credit, returns for his second tour of duty in Des Moines. Ferguson coached the Bucs from 1990 to 1995, posting a 170-57-13 record. Prior to that, he coached Sioux City from 1981-90, posting a 256-167-9 record.
Ferguson's return to Des Moines gives the Bucs instant credibility, as he is one of the league's most respected coaches. At first glance, Ferguson appears to have his work cut out for him, with just seven players returning from last season's 32-21-3 squad. However, the Bucs have acquired seven other junior veterans, and if the preseason is any indication, Des Moines could return to championship form in 2001-02.
Leading the way up front are veterans Andy Nelson (16-5-21), Ross Carlson (5-4-9), Mark Langdon (11-11-22), and Andrew Leach (0-0-0). Alex Matieroukine, a native of Kiev, Ukraine, spent last season with Acadie Bathurst of the Quebec Major Junior League and is expected to make a significant contribution.
The biggest improvement for the Bucs could come on the blueline, as the defense looked strong in preseason. Six defensemen stand six feet or taller, creating an imposing blueline corps. Luke Irwin (2-12-14) is the lone returner, but he is joined by an impressive list of newcomers, including Evan Stoflet, who played for Bozeman of the America West League last season, and Matt Boldt, who played for Billings of the America West League last year.
Jason Brown, who looked impressive with a 2.51 goals against average and a 91.1 save percentage in nine games last season, will likely see considerable action between the pipes. Chris Gartman, who played college hockey for Cornell last season, should also see significant playing time.
KEY QUESTION: Can Ferguson take the Bucs back to their Triple Crown form of 1994-95, his last season in Des Moines?
PREDICTION: With Ferguson behind the bench, Des Moines has instant credibility as a contender in the East Division. If past performance is any indication, Ferguson will have the Bucs playing hard every night, and a return to championship form could be in the cards this season.
3. CHICAGO STEEL
In their first season after moving from Fargo-Moorhead, the Chicago Steel had moments where they could compete with any team in the USHL.
However, those moments were not frequent enough to result in a playoff berth, as the Steel finished 2000-01 with a 21-30-5 record. This season, however, the outlook is bright, as 11 players return from last season, and at least five other junior A veterans will lace up the skates for the Steel.
Chicago should be in good shape up front, as Nick Anderson (17-17-34), Matt Bader (4-10-14), Murphy Dwyer (2-1-3), Rene Gauthier (12-16-28, Des Moines and Chicago), Scott Krzmarzick (10-11-21), and Topher Scott (5-7-12) all return. The 5'5" Scott is still one of the league's youngest players, as he turned 16 during the summer.
The situation looks solid on the blueline, as Chad Gromek (0-4-4), Matt Hawerbier (2-9-11), and Darryl Smoleroff (1-8-9) return from last season. Andrew Stearns, who played for Billings of the America West League last season, will add some additional stability defensively.
Chicago's goaltending duties will be split between veteran John Daigneau (4.24, 88.7, Rochester and Chicago) and newcomer Dana Bannerman, the son of former Chicago Blackhawk goaltender Murray Bannerman. The younger Bannerman was an all-star for Collingwood of the Ontario Provincial Junior A League last season.
KEY QUESTION: Will the Steel build upon the promise they showed at times last season and become a championship contender?
PREDICTION: All the pieces are in place for a very successful season in Chicago. If the goaltending is solid and the Steel stay healthy, they could be a feared team in an improved East Division this year. A playoff berth is very much within reach, and home-ice advantage is not out of the question.
4. GREEN BAY GAMBLERS
Fans attending Green Bay Gamblers' home games this season might hear plenty of construction noise on their way into the Brown County Arena, but the Gamblers, and their fans, are not complaining.
In the parking lot of the Brown County Arena, work continues on the $47 million, 8,500-seat Resch Center, set to become the Gamblers' new home in the fall of 2002. In the meantime, however, the Gamblers hope to have one more successful season in the Brown County Arena, one of the USHL's older buildings.
The task will not be easy, however, as just seven players return from last season's 32-13-11 squad. The lone returning forwards are Matt Johnson (13-17-30), Chris Michael (12-9-21), and Tim Stapleton (7-15-22). Joe Crabb, who joins the Gamblers from the USA Under 18 program, as well as Bret Adams and Brett Coburn, a pair of forwards from the Chicago Chill AAA midget program, are expected to contribute offensively.
The Gamblers should be stable on the blueline, led by returnees A.J. Degenhardt (9-11-20), Nate Guenin (2-11-13), and Jake Taylor (0-0-0 in 5 games). Matt Commodore, a 6'3" defenseman from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, will be an imposing presence for the Gamblers.
Veteran Eric Pfligler (2.67, 90.1) has the inside track on the starting job in goal. Pfligler played just 13 games last season behind standout Jure Penko, but should see more action this season. Seventeen-year-old Josh Gartner is likely to be Pfligler's backup.
KEY QUESTION: Can the Gamblers compensate for the 13 players from last year's roster who are now at Division I colleges?
PREDICTION: The Gamblers were a hard-working team in the preseason, and if everything comes together, they could be a factor in the East Division. However, it is likely to take some time for the team to gel, as there are many new faces. After two championship-level seasons, a playoff spot is a reasonable goal this season in Green Bay.
5. ROCHESTER MUSTANGS
This year, the Rochester Mustangs' biggest opponent will not be the Des Moines Buccaneers, the Cedar Rapids Roughriders, any East Division opponent, or even any USHL team at all.
Instead, the Mustangs' biggest opponent will be words on a piece of paper - their schedule.
In an unusual move, the Mustangs were allowed to sell 10 of their 31 scheduled home games, leaving Rochester with just 21 home games and an amazing 40 road games. While the sale will improve the team's bottom line, the Mustangs are home just once in each of December and January, meaning Rochester will be the league's road warriors this season.
Even when the Mustangs are at home, there are obstacles on the path to drawing fans. On opening night, the ushers ran out of rosters more than 20 minutes before the game, there was no souvenir stand, purchase of a 12-page program for three dollars did not guarantee fans a roster, and the talk in the stands was largely a discussion of where the team would move next season. With many fans feeling cheated by the sale of 30% of the home schedule, home attendance could once again be dismal, regardless of the results on the ice.
Needless to say, new coach Steve Ross has inherited a very difficult situation. However, if there is one person who can keep the Mustangs competitive in this environment, it is Ross. A former Mustang player, Ross returns for his second tour of duty with the Mustangs. He posted a respectable 9-14-1 record during the first part of the 1997-98 season before then-owner Don Nasshorn started the revolving door behind the bench for Rochester, as the Mustangs went through no less than five coaches in a two-year span.
This time, Ross will be given more of a chance to succeed, and the preseason indicates that will happen. The Mustangs are led by tough-as-nails defenseman Tim Conboy, who posted 5 goals, 14 points, and 256 penalty minutes last season. Conboy will receive help on the blueline from veterans Steve Czech (3-10-13), Brett Johnson (1-2-3), and Tom Zaleski (3-4-7, Sioux Falls).
Rochester should be able to improve on last season's 113-goal performance with several returning forwards. Leading the way is Rochester native Shawn Vinz, who posted 15 goals, 24 points, and 144 penalty minutes in 47 games with Rochester and Cedar Rapids last season. Fellow Rochester native Ryan Mayhew (1-9-10, Cedar Rapids) will give the Mustangs a dynamic duo of hometown forwards. Other returning forwards include Nate Hansen (9-8-17), Barrett Casto (2-1-3), John Bottoms (7-8-15), Sage Swanson (3-4-7), Billy Bagron (11-12-23), and Adam Cozine (7-11-18).
The Mustangs will look to veteran Yen-I Chen to come up big in goal. Chen posted a 3.68 goals against and a 89.8 save percentage in 10 games with Rochester last season. Jeff Jakatis, who comes to the Mustangs from Rochester's Mayo High School, will also see action.
KEY QUESTION: Can the Mustangs overcome a nightmarish schedule that sees them play nearly two-thirds of their games away from home?
PREDICTION: It is a shame that Rochester has just 21 home games, because this team has solid coaching, talent, and could be in the middle of the playoff race with a normal schedule. However, they are faced with an impossible schedule, and as a result, the Mustangs likely will have a hard time playing at the top of their game each night.
6. WATERLOO BLACK HAWKS
As the Cedar Valley celebrates 40 years of hockey dating back to the days of the minor-league Black Hawks, this year's version of the Hawks hope to turn around the team's recent fortunes.
Since the USHL became an all-junior league in 1979, the Hawks have posted just three winning seasons. The task will not be easy this season either, as Waterloo returns just six players from last season, including only one defenseman. As a result, the Hawks could be in for another rebuilding season.
Waterloo will likely find some success up front, as they return five forwards. Veteran Dan Krmpotich leads the way, posting 20 goals and 46 points in 55 games last season. He will receive some help from veterans Jeff McFarland (3-5-8), Ryan Langenbrunner (6-18-24), Trevor Stewart (1-1-2) and Cole Baron (6-2-8). Newcomer Chris Margott was the leading scorer in the Western States League last season.
USHL fans will need a program to recognize the Hawks' defense, as Greg Poupard (3-6-9) is the lone veteran on the blueline. Nathan Fornataro, a native of Calgary, Alberta, was one of the top defensemen in the Alberta AAA Midget League last season and will be given a chance to contribute immediately.
Newcomers Kyle McNulty and Mora, Sweden, native Peter Hamren will split the action between the pipes. Strong goaltending will be a key for the Hawks, as the inexperienced defense could take some time to come together.
KEY QUESTION: With so many new faces, how long will it take for the Hawks to develop cohesiveness?
PREDICTION: While the 40th anniversary season gives Cedar Valley fans reason to celebrate, the on-ice play could be another matter. With a young roster full of newcomers, the Hawks could struggle at times. A playoff berth is probably a long shot this year.
