When the USHL announced its realignment this summer, many observers pegged the West Division as perhaps the strongest from top to bottom. With defending Clark Cup champion Omaha joined by Lincoln, Sioux City, and Fargo, they might have a point.
Leading the way in the west this year will once again be Omaha. Although this year's squad lacks last year's size, they make up for it in speed. The Lancers return key players at every position and feature some talented newcomers. Jed Ortmeyer, Kevin Spiewak, Mike Lucci, Jimmy Callahan, Drew Kriner, and Paul Caponigri lead a potent offensive attack for the Lancers. They are returned by talented newcomers such as Raffie Kalajian, who played for Springfield (North American Hockey League) last season. Pete Summerfelt and Erik Skaug will anchor the blueline for Omaha. Tony Zasowski figures to see most of the action in goal.
There's no shortage of size 50 miles to the southwest in Lincoln. The Stars featured 18 players 6' or taller on their preseason roster. Leading the way, however, is the shortest Star - Chris Fournier. The 5'5", 150-pound Fournier, who turned 16 in April, returns for his second season of USHL action and has the potential to be among the league's leading scorers. Surrounding Fournier will be a host of talented forwards, including Brendon Hodge, Andy Lundbohm, and Jake Wiegand. Feisty blueliner Ed Cassin is one of just two returning defensemen for Lincoln. Matt Shasby is the other returning blueliner. Look for 18-year-old defenseman Joe Markusen to see a lot of ice time in his first season of USHL action.
Sioux City hopes to continue the improvements it saw last season, when the Muskies went from 20 points to 67 points. In order to do this, they will have to replace some key offensive ingredients. Steve Cygan, Jeff Carlson, and Mike Scott have all moved on to college hockey. Much of the offensive load could fall to newcomer Ruslan Fedotenko, who hails from Kiev, Ukraine. Fedotenko was very impressive at the Buc Bowl, and his 6'2", 195-pound frame will withstand the rigors of the USHL. Jake Moreland and newcomer Michael Betz will provide Sioux City with solid play in the nets.
Fargo-Moorhead looks to have no trouble scoring goals this season, but the Ice Sharks will have to prove they can keep the puck out of their net. The Sharks were a defensive-minded squad in their inaugural season (1996-97) behind the goaltending of Karl Goehring. Last season, however, the Sharks looked to forwards Tyler Arnason and Mark Cullen to lead a strong offensive attack. The challenge this season will be to rebuild the offense with the departure of those two players. Judging by the 18 goals Fargo-Moorhead scored in two games against Bismarck, they seem to be on their way.
