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Des Moines Buccaneers USHL.COM | @USHL Bloomington Thunder 7201 Hickman Road 101 S. Madison Street Urbandale, IA 50322 850 West Jackson, Suite 703 Bloomington, IL 61701 515-278-9757 Chicago, IL 60607 309-434-2980 phone bucshockey.com (312) 546-7300 bloomingtonthunder.com [email protected]

Fargo Force 5225 31st Ave. South 1100 Rockford Road SW Fargo, ND 58104 Bob Fallen Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 701-356-7656 phone President and 319-247-0340 fargoforce.com Commissioner ridertownusa.com

Lincoln Stars PO Box 80327 Joe Macdonell 735 East Jefferson St. Lincoln, NE 68508 Vice President of Bensenville, IL 60106 402-474-7827 Business Operations 630-594-1162 lincolnstars.com chicagosteelhockeyteam.com

Omaha Lancers Brian Werger 7300 Q Street Director of 1800 Admiral Sheehy Drive Ralston, NE 68127 Communications Dubuque, IA 52001 402-344-7825 and Public Relations 563-583-6880 lancers.com dubuquefightingsaints.com

Adam Micheletti Director of Hockey PO Box 3313 1901 South Oneida Street Operations Sioux City, IA 51102 Green Bay, WI 54304 712-252-2116 920-405-1237 musketeershockey.com gamblershockey.com Aaron Westendorf Manager of 1001 N. West Avenue Media & Digital 1880 Veterans Drive Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Communications Madison, WI 53713 605-336-6060 608-257-CAPS sfstampede.com madcapshockey.com Doug Christiansen Director of Player Tri-City Storm Development & 609 Platte Road Recruitment 470 W. Western Ave. Kearney, NE 68845 Muskegon, MI 49440 308-338-8809 231-726-3879 stormhockey.com Scott Zelkin muskegonlumberjacks.com USHL Referee-In-Chief Team USA 125 Commercial Street 2121 Oak Valley Drive Waterloo, IA 50701 Ann Arbor, MI 48103 319-232-3444 Dave Siciliano 734-327-9251 waterlooblackhawks.com Senior Advisor of usantdp.com Hockey Operations

Youngstown Phantoms 229 East Front Street Skip Prince Youngstown, OH 44503 Senior Advisor 330-747-7825 youngstownphantoms.com

2 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE Welcome to Tier I

CONGRATULATIONS on being continue their hockey career. More than selected to compete at the 2015 USHL 350 players currently playing in the USHL Combine. After receiving more than 3,000 already have college commitments. applications you have been selected to With more than 250 USHL alumni compete in front of scouts representing currently signed to NHL contracts, the the USHL and other junior leagues. league has become one of the quickest As America’s only Tier I junior league, development paths to the pro ranks the USHL has set an increasingly high as well. More and more, NHL teams standard both on and off the ice for young and scouts look to the USHL to find hockey players to begin their development players that want to develop at their own path. It is because of this that college and pace. Former Dubuque Fighting Saints NHL scouts alike watch the league so teammates and Zemgus closely. Every year more than 95% of USHL Girgensons are a good example of this: players receive a Division I opportunity to Gaudreau, featured on the program’s cover, was drafted out of the USHL and played three years in college before going to the Flames. Girgensons, also drafted from the USHL, was given the opportunity to sign his pro contract at 18 and develop a year in the prior to joining the . C Whatever your path may be, the USHL continues to be the best route for development because it has the best athletes. You are a now part of the USHL Development Path. Whether you are selected in the upcoming USHL Draft, Bob Fallen Doug Christiansen attend a USHL team tryout camp or come President and Commissioner Director of Player into the league at a later age, you are what [email protected] Development & Recruitment makes the league so special. @USHLCommish [email protected] Thank you for aspiring to play in the @USHLPlayerDev USHL, and good luck!

2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE / 3 Will You Make The Educated League Theme Tells the Story Decision? DURING THE 2014-15 SEASON, the USHL launched a campaign with the theme “Make the Educated Decision.” Targeted primarily at elite youth players, their parents and family advisors, the campaign stresses the abundance of player development and academic opportunities available to players who are evaluating their options, with an emphasis on the path paved by the USHL. The central message of the marketing campaign encourages players, parents, and family advisors to carefully evaluate the different paths available and to better understand the developmental landscape for reaching college and professional hockey.

Mason Morelli turned all sorts of heads withD his performance at the USHL Combine, leading him to being chosen in the first round of the 2012 USHL Draft. He has spent the last two seasons in the League with the .

4 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE Our intent is to be informative about development options — without disparaging opportunities available in other junior hockey leagues.”

“The is to provide factual and provocative information that allows players to make an informed decision based on their goals on and off the ice,” said USHL President and Commissioner Bob Fallen. “We felt we needed to do a better job of providing information about the opportunities available to hockey players and student-athletes.” The new campaign is integrated into promotional collateral and digital media generated by the USHL, but the primary communication vehicle has been speaking engagements at youth hockey events all over the country. The League hired former USHL, college and professional hockey player Doug Christiansen as Director of Player Development and Recruiting and Christiansen has traveled to a variety of North American destinations to present to hockey organizations. “The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Christiansen. “The presentation clarifies the USHL’s position in the player development cycle and provides background on the junior and college hockey landscape. Our intent is to be informative about development options — without disparaging opportunities available in other junior hockey leagues.” Christiansen’s scouting efforts are supported by a network of talent scouts in regions across North America that help to identify prospects that have the potential and the interest to play in the USHL and beyond. These individuals were involved in the invitations extended to USHL Combine participants. 4 Things You Need to Know About Junior Hockey

YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT competition in the country. The USHL is Former Dubuque Fighting Saint, Boston HOCKEY. You’re getting better every NCAA-protected, meaning its players will College Eagle and current day and you’re performing at a high level maintain their college hockey eligibility, player Johnny Gaudreau appreciates the with your current team. You’re ready to and the reason that it is heavily-scouted by development path he chose. explore your options on how to reach the college coaches. “It was best for my development to next level and achieve your goals. Which It is also the only level that has no cost come to the USHL before college. I was development path is right for you? to the player. All equipment “head to toe” really fortunate to play for the Dubuque Junior hockey is the logical choice is provided by the team, in addition to Fighting Saints with Coach Montgomery,” – but the different leagues, rules and top-quality billet housing provided by the Gaudreau said. “It really helped me opportunities can be confusing in both team. become a better player.” the U.S. and Canada. There’s a lot of The USHL maintains the highest of information and clutter out there. We standards, including some of the best Tier 2: can help you navigate the junior hockey coaches and staffs in the sport of hockey, The North American Hockey League landscape. Here’s what you need to know. top-quality on and off-ice facilities, and (NAHL) is the only Tier 2 league in the U.S. a schedule to balance a maximum and It is a step below the USHL in terms of minimum number of league games with a talent and standards, but it still maintains Understanding the proper practice-to-game ratio. a very strong level of competition. Tier System Another unique aspect of the USHL It has an increased number of 20-year- There are three different tiers (or levels) is the maintenance of balanced age olds on team rosters and maintains the of junior hockey in the United States. groupings with a diminished number of college eligibility of its players. Y1The USA Hockey Junior Council certifies 20-year-old players and relatively balanced There are presently 24 Tier 2 NAHL these leagues and teams annually to their under-17, 18, and 19 age categories. It is teams in the United States. The league is respective classifications based on quality about development and moving players up scouted by NCAA Division I and Division III of play and operations standards. to the next levels of the sport. programs. There are presently 18 USHL Tier 1 Tier 1: teams in the United States. Approximately Tier 3: The USHL is the only Tier 1 hockey league 96% of all USHL players earn Most of the junior hockey leagues in the in the U.S. It is the highest level of junior opportunities at the NCAA Division 1 level. U.S. are Tier 3 – the Eastern Hockey

6 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE League (EHL), North American 3 Hockey junior hockey league in the country. The These markets have embraced their League (NA3HL), U.S. Premier Hockey USHL has 17 teams located throughout teams and support them every night. League (USPHL), Minnesota Junior the Midwest in addition to the US “It is a man’s league. It felt like I was Hockey League (MJHL), Metropolitan National Team Development Program a pro,” said former Green Bay Gambler, Junior Hockey League (MJHL) and (USNTDP) U18 and U17 teams that play Badger and San Jose Shark Northern Pacific Hockey League (NPHL). a split schedule. The regular season Adam Burish. “It was more games than I These are all “Pay-To-Play” leagues champions are awarded the Anderson had ever played, but it was fun. You’re on and the competition level is generally a Cup while the culminate with the the road. You’re playing a ton of games. step below the NAHL and two steps below Clark Cup championship. The games were fast – they were tough. the USHL. There is a wide disparity of “Just the bond that you create with I felt like I was a pro for the first time. It organizational aptitude and competitive those guys and just being at the rink – was a good experience for me.” balance among them. There are presently it’s almost like being a professional,” 144 Tier 3 teams in existence with some said , current New York teams scouted by NCAA Division I and Islanders forward and former Clark Division III programs. Cup Champion with the Des Moines All three tiers of junior hockey in the Buccaneers. U.S. are NCAA-protected, meaning players can move on to college hockey to further their development while Big-Time Venues pursuing a degree. and Atmosphere More than $250 million have been spent on USHL facility What Do the 4construction and renovations Statistics Say? within the past five years. Just The numbers don’t lie. There are currently this fall, a brand-new $130 more than 250 USHL alumni under million facility – the Denny 2contract in the NHL and more than 340 Sanford PREMIER Center – current USHL players have commitments opened its doors for the Sioux to play college hockey. It is the preferred Falls Stampede. , route to NCAA hockey, which is becoming home of the , the preferred route to the NHL. In the opened just two years ago. 2013-14 season, 31 percent of all NHL players played NCAA hockey. “My path was the perfect path for me,” explained Gaudreau. “Going to the USHL with the college route and then ultimately making it to the NHL, it’s a good path to take.” When it comes to education, the NCAA recently reported that 92.1 percent of college hockey players earn their degree – the highest rate in all of college athletics. It should also be noted that these players are graduating from top American universities. Education is highly valued in the USHL and Alec McCrea was a USHL Combine in college hockey. participant prior to being picked in History and Background the 2011 USHL Draft. He has played The USHL has been operating in its over 160 games in his USHL career current form since 2002, when USA and was of the Waterloo Black 3Hockey appointed it as the only Tier 1 Hawks during the 2014-15 season.

2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE / 7 8 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE JuniorBy Jim Leitner Mint

TREY DODD I decided to go a little different UNDERSTOOD THE route than most people,” Dodd VALUE in stepping outside of his said. “When I was 16, I thought it comfort zone to pursue his would help my game to go to the goal of playing collegiate hockey. NA3HL instead of going the AAA So, as a 16-year-old high school Midget route before playing in the sophomore, he took a leap of faith NAHL or USHL. It was important to and accepted an offer to play junior start the process of playing against hockey for his hometown St. Louis bigger, older, tougher guys a little Jr. Blues in the North American Tier earlier in my career. At an early III Hockey League. The visibility he age, understanding exactly what gained from playing for the 2012-13 that means helped me adjust a lot regular-season champions paid off faster.” and started Dodd’s ascent on the Junior hockey provides an USA Hockey ladder for players under important developmental bridge the age of 20. between the high school or Midget Last season, Dodd helped the level and the college ranks while Austin Bruins to the Central Division offering exposure to professional title in the Tier II NAHL, and this scouts. In nearly all cases, players fall the 5-11, 190-pound forward must move away from home and earned a promotion to the Dubuque develop athletically, academically Fighting Saints of the Tier I United and socially during the ages of 16 to States Hockey League. And, in early 20 — an influential time in their lives. TFebruary he accepted an offer to The regular season begins in play at Brown University following September and includes upwards his USHL career. of 60 games, while the postseason “Growing up, I was kind of in can run into the month of May. In a the shadows of other players, so typical week, teams practice Monday

PHOTO BY CHAD PHILLIPS 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE / 9 through Thursday and play two games on the weekend before taking Sunday off. You want to play at the level The daily routine can be a grind, as well. where you can develop the most.” High school students attend classes during the morning before heading to the rink for on-ice practice and off-ice the league has on its players first-hand. operate at the Tier III pay-to-play level strength and conditioning. Long road His son, Tommy, played two seasons for to complete the USA Hockey ladder. All trips and occasional mid-week games the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders before leagues adhere to strict guidelines so take can students away from the moving on to Yale University and serving players maintain NCAA eligibility, and classroom at times and challenge a as the Bulldogs’ captain as a senior in the higher levels receive attention from player’s time management skills and 2014-15. NHL scouts. commitment to his studies. “He went to that league as a boy and “Junior hockey does a great job of Players who have completed their came out a man, and I credit (coach) getting you prepared for the next step,” high school education often take post- Mark (Carlson) and his staff and all the said John Vanbiesbrouck, a USA Hockey secondary courses to apply to their great players in that league for turning vice president and the Junior Council college transcript, hold part-time jobs him into a a much more complete Chairman. “It allows you time to develop. or serve the team through community hockey player than he was when he left There’s no rush. If you really want to outreach initiatives. Nearly all Tier 1 home,” Fallen said. develop your skills as a player, you have and Tier 2 junior hockey teams employ The Tier I USHL is the highest to give it some time, and you also have to education advisors to keep high school level on the USA Hockey ladder of learn how to manage life. Junior hockey is students and post-secondary students development, and its member clubs pay the beginning of a career. It’s not a career on track and aid in the process of for the majority of a player’s expenses, until you learn how to manage life.” being approved by the NCAA including equipment and housing. “Our American players have great Clearinghouse. The NAHL occupies the options today. There are a lot of really Before he became next rung, and teams are good junior leagues and junior teams out USHL Commissioner in responsible for some of a there who all serve a purpose. And I think June 2014, Bob Fallen player’s expenses. we’ve developed more of a clear path for witnessed the impact Eight other leagues our players to get to that next level.” Pete Rutili, a family advisor to aspiring young hockey players, feels indebted to his junior hockey experience. Rutili played in the USHL in the late 1980s before skating for Augsburg College in Minnesota and becoming an NCAA Division III All-American as a senior. “Playing in the USHL was a wonderful experience for me, and I still maintain friendships with

Stefano Lekkas attended the USHL Combine prior to being selected in the 2012 USHL Draft. He was among the top USHL this season with 23 wins.

10 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE a lot of the guys I played with that one year I was in Dubuque,” Rutili said. “But the hockey landscape has changed a great deal. There are more opportunities TONY GASPARINI’S ADVICE FOR for kids these days. It’s important and ASPIRING JUNIOR PLAYERS their parents have the right information to make the best decision possible for them.” When speaking with players and their families, Rutili emphasizes the commitment level involved. The junior hockey path isn’t for everyone. “It’s important to go when you’re ready,” Rutili said. “You’re better off taking a step-by-step approach and mastering the level you’re at, whether it’s U16 or U18, before moving on to the next level. You want to play at the level where you can develop the most.” The key to finding the right junior team is parents and players doing their homework. By Jim Leitner “They need to consider past Tony Gasparini played junior hockey in the early 1990s, coached at that level in the performance both on and off the ice but early 2000s and now evaluates it as an amateur scout for the . more focus on college placement,” said And the best advice he can give families of aspiring junior players is to do Mark Frankenfeld, Commissioner and their homework before making the jump from high school or Midget hockey. President of the NAHL. “Research what “It’s important to ask questions so you understand the process, because nine times out of 10, it’s not an easy transition and there’s a lot of adversity positions are opening up on the team for you’ll have to face,” Gasparini said. “If you don’t ask questions, situations will next season and try to gauge their ability sneak up on you, and negative consequences are usually the result. You don’t to secure one of those spots on the roster. want to walk into it without an understanding of what’s going to happen. Communication with the coaching staff “Your son is moving up a level, and things are a lot harder. It isn’t about fair during the tryout process is very important play anymore. It’s a competitive sport, and coaches are there to win games. This is their livelihood. And you’re competing on a national level with a lot of and their level of response may help you other players who have had success at their own local levels.” gauge where you sit on their list. It never Here are the questions Gasparini recommends: hurts to speak with current players, former players and housing families after INTERNAL QUESTIONS you have been offered a spot and prior to 1. Is my son at the point where his game and his success at his current level has reached a point where he’s ready to take the next step? making a final commitment.” 2. Is he in the right standing academically to handle the rigors of managing his Dodd knew he was ready, both physically time differently, because the schedule is so much different, and they’re away and mentally, to make the jump to junior from home? hockey. Then, he had to earn some of the 3. Is my son mature enough socially to be integrated with players who may be breaks that came his way. two or three years older than he is? “It definitely takes a lot of hard work,” QUESTIONS FOR THE COACH Dodd said. “I kind of got lucky, because I “As a coach, I always hated the questions like, ‘Where do you see my son? Will accepted offers to play for the right teams. he be on the power play? Is he going to do this or that?’” said Gasparini, who That’s huge, not only in your development served as an assistant and head coach with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede as a player but in the fact that each coach from 1999-2003 and spent two more years as an assistant at Union College before joining the Kings’ staff. “Ultimately, his play is going to dictate his has connections with certain programs opportunity on that team. That’s how it goes.” at certain levels. If you play for the coach So, Gasparini recommends general, basic questions to better understand a with the right connections, you have program’s philosophies. a better chance to head in the right 1. Numerically, how many guys are you going to carry at each position? direction in your career.” 2. What is your philosophy toward distributing playing time? 3. Are there trades involved? “In most cases, those coaches have been around a while, so you can do a lot Jim Leitner is the Sports Editor for of research,” Gasparini said. “If what they’re telling you doesn’t match up with Dubuque Telegraph Herald and frequently previous years’ results, something’s amiss. You have to trust your instincts.” contributes to USA Hockey Magazine.

2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE / 11 The Fastest Growing Route to the NHL College Hockey Produces Winners On And Off the Ice

THERE’S NOT JUST shown through the drafting ONE WAY to get to the tendencies of NHL clubs in NHL. But ask NHL Director recent years,” Marr said. of Central Scouting Dan Marr Those drafting tendencies which path he has seen first- included 35 USHL players hand continue an upward selected in the 2014 NHL trend, and it’d be the USHL. Draft, plus an additional 16 “It’s evolved to the point USHL alumni selected. There where it’s the next step for a are currently more than 240 lot of young players in their USHL alumni currently under hockey career,” Marr said at contract in the NHL, and the speaker forum organized by list is growing. the USHL last year. “They’re young professionals when The College Pipeline they get to this level.” About 31 percent of current NHL scouts used to just NHL players took the focus on Canadian Major college hockey route making Juniors, Marr said. But about college hockey the fastest a decade ago, the USHL growing development path was added to the list. Now, to the NHL. The Chicago it’s a must for all NHL Club Blackhawks have become a scouting departments. model franchise in the NHL, “It’s a prime scouting winning the in we like is it allows players hockey IQ,” added Kelly. ground for NHL teams,” 2010 and 2012. In the 2014 to develop at their pace, not “We’re also looking at how Marr said. “It’s actually a fun NHL Draft, they selected four dictated by a team. It allows hard they compete when we league to scout just because USHL players within their them time to develop.” consider how to project them of the competitive nature. first five picks. They believe The average age of NHL as a pro player.” We like the fact that when in the development path. rookies is now 23 years old. we go there, we’re almost “We’ve had a lot of success Rushing to the next level can NHL Players Agree guaranteed we’re going to with the league, but the NHL be detrimental to a player’s made his NHL see a good hockey game. as a whole has had a lot of development. The USHL debut just two years removed We’re going to see good hard- success with the league,” said allows players that bridge to from the USHL, where he working players and we’re Mark Kelley, Senior Director transition into college hockey spent two years developing going to see a strong talent of Amateur Scouting for the and beyond. with the Omaha Lancers level. The talent continues Blackhawks. “The unique “We are looking at their before starring for University to improve – and that’s thing about the USHL that skating ability and at their of Denver.

12 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE “Over the last five to seven years, the USHL has gotten a lot more respect and a lot more attention than it used to,” said Stastny, a two-time U.S. Olympian and current St. Louis Blues standout. “I think with the new NHL being more of a speed game and a skill game, you don’t have to be 6-foot-2, 220 pounds to be a first-rounder now. If you have that hockey sense and you’re a smart player, I think teams will look at you. “I think with me it started with colleges, and once I was being recruited by colleges, then NHL teams started to come look at me.” Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons took a different route to get to the NHL. After spending two years developing with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, Girgensons was selected in the first round of the NHL Draft before attending Buffalo’s training camp where he was able to decide between signing a NHL deal immediately, or playing hockey at the University of Vermont. “It was the toughest decision of my life and I wasn’t sure until the day I signed,” said Girgensons, NHL All-Star and current first-line center at 21 years old. “I asked some of the guys around camp and they said I was definitely read to play in the AHL (American Despite his decision to said. “Most people should country, and for his former Hockey League).” forego college, Girgensons take that, because for me, USHL team. Unlike Major Junior, still sees the USHL and I got lucky they offered a “It was a big honor for me, where teams own player college route as the best contract. Most of the time it’s being the highest drafted rights until 20 or two years option for players who hope a lot harder.” Latvian. And to represent after they are drafted, to make it to the NHL one It has almost been three Dubuque when they called players from the USHL can day. “The USHL is a great years since Girgensons was it out was just amazing. choose to sign a NHL deal league and if you’re going drafted in Pittsburgh at the To actually hear ‘Dubuque and be sent to the AHL in the college route it’s the best 2012 NHL Draft, yet the day Fighting Saints’ on the stage order to further develop. option for you,” Girgensons remains special to him, his was pretty nice.”

2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE / 13 RoadBy Nate Ewell to College College Hockey Produces Winners On, Off the Field

ASK A FORMER NCAA Werenski – all USHL alumni – college HOCKEY PLAYER The most 31% hockey could have three current players important thing they took from their NCAA alumni, once a rarity in the NHL, selected in the top 10 of the NHL Draft college hockey experience and you never now make up nearly one out of three for the first time. know what you’ll hear. NHL players. The USHL is a crucial Calder Trophy candidate Johnny step in the fastest growing development Gaudreau raves about the chances he path to the NHL. Former NCAA players had to improve, day after day, at Boston comprised 20% of the NHL just a dozen 92% College. years ago, but that number passed 31% College hockey enjoys the best Boston Bruin Torey Krug talks about and continues to grow. graduation rate of any NCAA Division the opportunity to develop his all- Former college players are captains I men’s sport, with 92% of all players around game, including the offensive in the NHL, like Backes, and elite earning their degree. skills that make him a special player. young players, like Gaudreau. Other Not only does that lead all NCAA focuses on the alums who are star NHLers include men’s sports – proving, as we all education, and the degree that he , , Max suspected, how smart hockey players earned despite only playing three years Pacioretty and more. are – but it is, far and away, the best at Minnesota State. There are multiple signs that the post-secondary success rate of any AJack Eichel looks at the opportunity he 31% number is trending upwards. Last hockey development path. had – for the first time in his life – to play year, 36% of all NHL rookies had played That graduation rate means a great for his school. college hockey, and the upcoming NHL deal, to players like Anders Lee who You never know what you’ll hear. But Draft shows even more promise. have earned their degrees while playing college hockey’s impact typically can be Between Eichel, ’s in the NHL and all the others who never broken down to two numbers: and ’s Zach reached that level of hockey.

14 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE Team USA alum scored 72 points in 59 USHL games prior to playing college hockey at Boston Road to University. College

2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE / 15 Each year, a post-secondary education becomes more and more important to success in today’s economy. Student-athletes who ensure that education – and fulfill it while pursuing their athletic careers – set themselves up for success both on and off the ice.

* * * * * *

THERE’S ANOTHER TESTIMONIAL you will hear from former college hockey “It was best for my development to players, one that doesn’t fit into numeric values like 30% or 92%. come to the USHL before college.” “Those were the best years of my life.” That phrase comes up time and again, - Johnny Gaudreau from current NHL players, current doctors and lawyers, even current undergraduates. There are no statistics to help cause at the rink, in the classroom and 3. Be Aware of Eligibility Requirements define it, no numbers that equate to beyond: Two key elements are part of the experience of playing in front of determining a student-athlete’s NCAA thousands of fellow students, pep 1. Be Proactive eligibility: their academic achievement bands, and even more loyal alumni. College coaches are limited in when and their amateur status. Review The greatest experiences aren’t and how often they can contact recruits, the requirements at eligibilitycenter. defined by numbers, or statistics. and they can’t reach out to a player until org to understand what classes and They’re intangible, and yet easily Jan. 1 of his 10th grade year. Players, standardized test you need to take. identifiable: “The best years of my life.” however, can contact coaches at any Don’t jeopardize your amateur status time. It can help to let a school know by signing a CHL contract or playing in Top 10 Recruiting Tips that you are interested with a reminder a game. It’s incredibly hard to make an NCAA of where they can see you play. Division I hockey team, and the deciding 4. Be a Character Player factor in landing one of those coveted 2. Be Studious Coaches constantly have to make tough positions typically comes down to your The better your grades and standardized recruiting decisions between equally hockey ability. That said, there are a test scores, the more options you will talented players. What often breaks the number of things young players and have. Only 60 schools offer Division I tie is what they can see of a players’ parents can do to catch the eye – and the men’s hockey – you don’t want to narrow character in a game. Is he a good interest – of college recruiters. your field further because your marks teammate? How does he respond to a Here are 10 ways you can help your aren’t up to par. bad shift, or a bad call? Always assume that someone’s watching you – they probably are.

5. Be Committed to Improving Many young players get wrapped up in Green Bay playing every showcase event that they Gamblers alum can. Coaches recognize, however, that Anders Lee development comes in practice, not graduated with his games. Instead of signing up for every class from Notre showcase, spend time working on a Dame in 2014. part of your game that has room for improvement – then show off those skills when you are back in the spotlight.

16 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE 6. Be Consistent 8. Be Inquisitive have to be sure they want you in their Colleges have three coaches each who can As much as coaches want to find the program for four years as well. watch recruits – they don’t employ scouts. right fits for their programs, they want Therefore, they can’t be at every game and to be sure their recruits are comfortable 10. Be Patient they may see you on an off night. Do your where they end up as well. They want The last – and often hardest – piece of best to give a consistent effort and rest to hear recruits asking questions – advice is to be patient. The recruiting assured, they see recruits multiple times insightful questions – of the coaching process takes time, and prospective before making any decisions. staff, players, professors and others student-athletes can commit to schools around their program. anywhere from 15 years old to 21. Don’t 7. Be Our Guest get frustrated if you aren’t one of those The best way to find out whether a school 9. Be a Supportive Parent select few who get an offer while playing is right for you is to take what’s called an Never forgotten in this process are the minor midget hockey. Follow these other unofficial visit (official visits are paid for by parents and their significant role. It nine steps and the recruiting process can the school and only available once you are shouldn’t be too significant, however. be a rewarding, exciting experience. in 12th grade). An unofficial visit can allow Your son should be the one writing you to see the campus, tour the facilities letters and reaching out to coaches. Nate Ewell is the Deputy Executive and even take in a game. Reach out to the Coaches want to know that it’s the Director and Communications Director for coaching staff before you go and let them player’s ambition, not their parents’. Be College Hockey, Inc. know you’ll be on campus. supportive but not overbearing – coaches @collegehockey

2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE / 17 Storming A complete list of USHL alumni currently playing Campus NCAA hockey

Mercyhurst College Max Hartner Bentley College Dartmouth College Ryan Misiak Johnny Hrabovsky Alex Kubiak Rick Pinkston A.J. Reid William Eiserman Eric Robinson Rochester Institute of Phil Boje Gabe Antoni Andy Simpson Atlantic Technology (RIT) Kyle Mackey Will Suter Ryan Bullock Alexander Kuqali Austin Priebe Tyler Deresky Geoff Ferguson Hockey Brad Shumway Connor Girard Andrew McDonald Tim O’Brien Association Andrew Miller Ryan McMurphy Brett Patterson Greg Amlong American International Chris Buchanan Brad Schierhorn Todd Skirving College Brandon Kirk Michael Holland Steven Hoshaw Grant Opperman Mike Rotolo Brandon Lubin Kyle Schmidt Tim Shoup Dominic Racobaldo River Rymsha Sacred Heart University 20% Will Rayner Army Union College Jake Lynes Christian Pomarico Eastern Sam Coatta James McNulty Collegiate Colin Stevens United States Air Force Tanner Creel Athletic Theo DiPauli of AHA players Academy Tyler Pham Sebastien Gingras are USHL alumni. Chad Demers Joe Llaurado Confrence Alex Sakellaropoulos

Cole Gunner Mike Preston Jeff Taylor Dan Weissenhofer Cole Bruns Matt Krug Robert Morris University George Michalke III Eli Lichtenwald Evan Moore Mike Vecchione Dalton Izyk Tyler Hynes Connor Light Canisius College 40%

Jack Stander Mike Sabatini Cole Bardreau David Parrottino Joakim Ryan of ECAC players John McCarron Holy Cross College are USHL alumni. Jacob MacDonald Nilan Nagy Christian Hilbrich Jacob Youso Teemu Tiitinen Castan Sommer Princeton University Eric Freschi Logan Smith Aaron Ave Jeff Kubiak Scott Pooley Tucker Brockett Gavin Stoik Paul Berrafato Tyler Maugeri Dwyer Tschantz T.J. Moore Johnathan Liau Hayden Stewart

Kevin Liss Jared Fiegl Niagara University Mike Ambrosia Alex Rauter Chris Lochner Kyle Rankin Ryan Bliss Sam Alfieri Michael Zajac Kevin Albers Tommy Davis Isaac Kohls Ben Foster Max Everson Nick Cecere Ryan Siiro Tom O’Regan Mike Conderman Matt Nelson Desmond Bergin Patrick Conte Eric Robinson Kyle Criscuolo T.J. Sarcona Stuart Pomeroy Steve Michalek Jackson Teichroeb Greg Gozzo Vince Muto Clay Anderson Larry Smith Tyler Moy Stanislav Dzakhov

18 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE University of Maine Stu Higgins Matt Morris Dan Renouf Cameron (Cam) Brown Eric Schurhamer Brian Morgan Liam Pecararo Cedric Lacroix Sean Romeo

Merrimack College Dan Kolomatis Justin Hussar Jared Kolquist Alfred Larsson

Providence College Stefan Demopoulos Mark Adams Thomas Parisi John Gilmour Phil Zielonka Alex Lyon Scott Savage Nick Saracino Victor Newell Tim Bonner Sean Malone Frankie DiChiara Alex Tuch Trevor Mingoia Jake Horton John Hayden Noah Hanifin Kyle McKenzie Patrick Spano Nick Ellis Rensselaer Polytechnic John Baiocco Brian Pinho Institute (RPI) Ryan Hitchcock University of Truman Reed Scott Diebold Adam Larkin Patrick Kirtland Luke Curadi Brent Norris Mark Miller Clarkson University Derek Pratt Clay Witt Joe Zarbo David Drake Dax Lauwers Chris Bradley Greg Lewis 45% Torin Snydeman Milos Bubela Bryan Sinz University of New Adam Reid Parker Reno A.J. Fossen Hampshire Mike Gunn Jimmy DeVito Jordan Boucher Casey Thrush of Hockey East Kevin Roy Riley Bourbonnais Dylan Gareau Jay Camper Colton Saucerman Jake Wood Terrence Amorosa players are Jamie Hill Matt Benning Drew Melanson Maxim Gaudreault USHL alumni. Jake Schechter Louie Nanne Matias Cleland Zach Aston-Reese Kenny Gillespie Justin Agosta Dylan Maller John Stevens Alex Barron Tyler Kelleher Boston University Michael Szmatula St. Soren Jonzzon Andrew Poturalski Cason Hohmann Will Messa Justin Bruckel Shane Eiserman Matt Grzelcyk Tanner Pond Chris Martin Connor Clifton Michael McNicholas Matt Lane Ryan Rosenthal Gunnar Hughes Joe Fiala Dylan Chanter Matt O’Connor Garret Cockerill Christian Horn Tommy Schutt Jason Salvaggio Danny O’Regan Trevor Owens Eric Sweetman Landon Smith Kevin Duane Bo Pieper University of Notre Dame Robbie Baillargeon University of Drew Smolcynski Canon Pieper Robbie Russo Doyle Somerby Massachusetts-Lowell Woody Hudson Austin Wuthrich Jack Eichel Zack Kamrass Alex Dahl Brown University Eric Johnson Brandon Fortunato Jake Suter Brian Ward Ryan Jacobson Peter Schneider Nikolas Olsson Kevin Boyle Nolan Gluchowski Kyle Quick Garrett Peterson A.J. Greer Ryan McGrath Michael Marnell Nick Lappin Sam Herr Johnathan Macleod Michael Fallon Ryan Lough Mark Naclerio Thomas DiPauli J.J. Piccinich Robert Francis Matt Purmal Aleksi Rossi Andy Ryan Joe Gambardella Joe Sullivan Davey Middleton Steven Fogarty Boston College Michael Kapla Kyle Hayton Tim Lappin Mario Lucia Quinn Smith C.J. Smith Dane Cooper Ben Ostlie Michael Sit Tyler Mueller Yale University Josh McArdle Vince Hinostroza Teddy Doherty Gage Hough Anthony Day Ali Thomas Michael Matheson Tommy Panico Tommy Fallen Colgate University Brendan Silk Justin Wade Connor Wilson Sebastian Weberg Ian McCoshen Nathan Billitier Matt Killian Anders Bjork Ryan Obuchowski Adam Gilmour Dawson Cook Stu Wilson Matthew Gaudreau Jordan Gross Charles Orzetti Austin Cangelosi Connor Hurley Mitch Witek

2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE / 19 University of Vermont Michigan State University Tommy Olczyk Zach Aman University of Matt Berry Casey Bailey Alex Roos -Omaha Nick Luukko Brent Darnell Connor Varley Dominic Zombo R.J. Boyd Kenny Brooks Garrett Cecere Ryan Massa Jacob Fallon Travis Walsh Matt Skoff Duggie Lagrone Brian O’Rourke Daniel Senkbeil Ryan Keller Eric Scheid Brian Cooper Alexx Privitera Matt DeBlouw David Goodwin University of Denver Tanner Lane Mario Puskarich Michael Ferrantino Ricky Derosa Josiah Didier Aaron Pearce Tom Forgione Jake Hildebrand Zach Saar Daniel Doremus Jonathan “Jono” Davis Kevin Irwin David Bondra Eamon McAdam Ty Loney Matt Youso Jarrid Privitera Villiam Haag Scott Conway Matt Tabrum Austin Ortega Robert Darrar Mackenzie MacEachern Zac Larraza Jake Guentzel Joe Cox University of Wisconsin Nolan Zajac Ian Brady University of Thomas Ebbing Chase Drake Quentin Shore Jake Randolph Massachusetts-Amherst J.T. Stenglein Matt Paape Grant Arnold Avery Peterson Troy Power Connor Wood Eddie Wittchow Matt VanVoorhis Tyler Vesel Oleg Yevenko Carson Gatt Kevin Schulze Luc Snuggerud Shane Walsh Joshua Jacobs Adam Miller Emil Romig Jake Montgomery Ray Pigozzi Dylan Pavelek Grant Besse Trevor Moore Ben Gallacher Edwin Minney Aiden Cavallini Evan Janssen University of Frank Vatrano Tim Davison Brad Hawkinson University of Minnesota Jacob Linhart Nick Mattson Dennis Kravchenko Jack Dougherty () Andrew Panzarella Keith Burchett Sam Warning Corbin McGuire Blake Coleman Michael Parks Henry Dill Seth Ambroz Ryan Wagner Austin Czarnik Zane McIntyre Travis Boyd Jason Ford Jimmy Mullin Colten St. Clair Ben Marshall Cullen Hurley Cody Murphy Christian Isackson Ben Paulides Bryn Chyzyk Brady Skjei Andrew Schmit Drake Caggiula A.J Michaelson Alex Wideman Keaton Thompson Big Ten Adam Wilcox Jay Williams Paul LaDue Ryan Reilly Taylor Richart Gage Ausmus Chris Joyaux Luke Johnson Taylor Cammarata Matthew Caito Hudson Fasching National Tucker Poolman Connor Reilly Alex Gacek Austin Poganski Michael Brodzinski Collegiate John Doherty Trevor Olson 67% Vinny Lettieri Hockey Kevin Morris John Simonson Jake Bischoff Ryan McKay Cameron Johnson Ryan Collins Conference Riley Barber Jack Glover Devin Loe St. Cloud State of Big Ten players Robin Hoglund Trevor Hamilton Jarrod Rabey are USHL alumni. Steven Johnson Anthony Louis Brooks Bertsch Colin Sullivan Nick Oliver Ohio State University Louis Belpedio Andrew Prochno Darik Angeli 68% Scott Dornbrock Joe Rehkamp Conor Lemirande Travis Lynch Clark Cristofoli Joe Phillipi Mike Chiasson Matt Johnson Ethan Prow Alex McLean University of Jimmy Murray Andrew Sinelli Minnesota-Duluth Cristoval Nieves Nick Oddo of NCHC players Adam Krause Justin Selman Blake Doerring Niklas Nevalainen are USHL alumni. Justin Crandall Andrew Copp Tyler Lundey Ben Storm Derik Johnson Steven Racine Alex Fons Michael Downing Blake Doerring Patrick Russell Willie Corrin J.T. Compher Nicholas Schilkey Blake Winiecki Aaron Harstad Andy Welinski Evan Allen Drew Brevig Nate Widman Peter Stoykewych Alex Kile Dave Gust Ryan Papa Jordan DiGiando Tony Cameranesi Max Shuart Christian Frey Judd Peterson Charlie Taft Austyn Young Tyler Motte Matthew Weis Scott Wamsganz Matt McNeely Western Michigan Zachary Nagelvoort Luke Stork Ian Young Cal Decowski University Dylan Larkin Christian Lampasso Cody Bradley Dan Molenaar Zachary Werenski Victor Bjorkung Will Kessel Peter Maric Kyle Osterberg Cutler Martin Janik Moser Justin Kovacs Jared Hanson Tony Calderone Penn State University Sam Piazza Matt Stewart Matt Hansen Karson Kuhlman Alex Talcott Max Gardiner Lukas Hafner Luc Gerdes Jared Thomas Patrick Koudys Kenney Morrison Nate Jensen Sam Rothstein Colton Hargrove Taylor Holstrom Christian Heil Nolan LaPorte

20 / 2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE Mike McKee Sheldon Dries Chris Dienes Taylor Fleming Kyle Novak Aidan Muir Neal Goff Willem Nong-Lambert Scott Moldenhauer

Western Collegiate Hockey Association

41% of WCHA players are USHL alumni.

University of Alabama-Huntsville Frank Misuraca Alex Carpenter Anderson White Brandon Carlson Cody Marooney Max McHugh Michigan Technological Blake Thompson Brandon Parker Mitch Cain Jason Binkley University Carter Foguth Richard Buri John Parker T.J. Schlueter David Johnstone Jordan Nelson Jordan Uhelski James Hansen Dom Panetta Blake Pietila Mike Huntebrinker Nate Arentz Simon Denis Zach Stepan University of Phil Marinaccio C.J. Motte C.J. Eick C.J. Franklin Alaska-Anchorage Charlie O’Connor Travis White Max Vallis Zeb Knutson Austin Coldwell Ruslan Pedan Kenny Babinski Cliff Watson Derek Docken Bob Kinne Dakota Klecha Chris Leibinger Northern Michigan Brendan Harms Charles Williams Reid Sturos University University of Michael Bitzer Kyle Schempp Tyler Heinonen Ryan Kesti Alaska-Fairbanks Jay Dickman Chad McDonald Dylan Steman Reed Seckel Nolan Youngmun Bowling Green State Ryan Lowney Matthew Roy Ryan Daugherty J.D. Peterson University Gerald Mayhew Joel L’Esperance Luke Eibler John Keeney Seth Adams Mark Auk D.J. Vandercook Matt Friese Connor Kucera Tyler Andrew Joe Schuldt Ryan Trenz Josh Erickson Dan DeSalvo Mitch Maloney Joseph Manno Justin Woods Adam Berkle Andrew Mayer Minnesota State Gerard Hanson Jared Linell Jose Delgadillo Austin Kosack University, Mankato Shane Sooth Austin Vieth Brent Tate Andrew Dorantes Chase Grant Dominik Shine Peter Krieger Dajon Mingo Tyler Dorantes Brett Stern John Siemer Tayler Munson Matt Pohlkamp Mathias Dahlstrom Zach Frye Brandon Hawkins Nolan Valleau Lake Superior State Max Gaede Barrett Kaib University Jean-Paul LaFontaine Robbie Payne Bemidji State University Tyler Spezia James Roll Matt Leitner Jordan Klimek Sam Windle Ben Greiner Kyle Chatham Dylan Margonari Zach Diamantoni Matt Prapavessis Chris Nell Luke Sandler

2015 USHL PLAYER COMBINE / 21