We’re two weeks into January and if you’re like me, you’re wondering where the snow is. It just doesn’t feel like winter without snow. So even though we’re not outside skating around, there’s still plenty of hockey to keep our appetite satisfied. To keep things consistent, here’s your latest USHL update!
Dupaco Cowbell Cup Series
The Dupaco Cowbell Cup is a three-team series to determine the best team between the Black Hawks, RoughRiders, and Fighting Saints. Thus far, the Black Hawks lead the series with a 6-3 record and 12 points, the Saints are in second at 4-3 with eight points and the RoughRiders are in last at 2-6 with four points. The top points man for each team, respectively, is Xander Lamppa with 35, Nikolai Mayorov with 23, and Sean Farrell with 39. There are 12 games left in the series and it’s anybody’s title for the taking.
RoughRiders Make a Move
Sticking with the RoughRiders, they acquired forward Zach Faremouth from the Force in exchange for a 2020 draft pick. RoughRiders head coach, Mark Carlson, had this to say about the move, “We are very excited to add Zach to our forward group. He is a well rounded, experienced, hard-working forward who has the ability to produce offensively. Zach will also add some size, grit, and toughness to our team.”
Stars Acquire 2020 Draft Pick
The Stars traded Caleb Price to the Phantoms in exchange for a 2020 Phase II draft pick. Price played in 22 games this season but things just didn’t click for him the way the Stars had hoped. He’ll bring his defensive prowess to Youngstown, Ohio.
Lancers and Capitols Agree to Terms
Ryan Sorkin is headed to Madison, Wisconsin in exchange for a 2020 9th Round Phase II pick. Sorkin was traded to the Lancers in October this season and now heads to Madison. Omaha is looking to make a late-season run and opening up playing time for others may be the move they needed to make.
NHL Scouting Midterm Ranking
The midterm scouting ranks are a great indication of where NHL draft-eligible players will be selected come draft day. Recently, many players in the USHL were added to this list. These players include Brendan Brisson, Sam Colangelo, Sean Farrell, Luke Reid, Josh Doan, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, Ian Moore, David Ma, Matthew Gleason, Carter Savoie, Wyatt Kaiser, Michael Benning, Alex Jefferies, and Stephen Halliday. There are several more lists to come before the draft day in July.
Top USHL Skaters
Points Leaders:
Sean Farrell, Steel, 39
Matty De St. Phalle, Steel, 37
Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, Steel, 37
Goals Leaders:
Trevor Kuntar, Phantoms, 23
Riese Gaber, Saints, 19
Matty De St. Phalle, Steel, 18
Assists Leaders:
Sean Farrell, Steel, 29
Ty Jackson, Saints, 26
Xander Lamppa, Black Hawks, 24
Top USHL Goalies
Wins Leaders:
Victor Ostman, Steel, 16
Gabriel Carriere, Black Hawks, 13
Cole Brady, Force, 13
Save Percentage Leaders:
Logan Stein, Black Hawks, .928%
Nicholas Grabko, Gamblers, .921%
Jaxson Stauber, Stampede, .929%
Goals Against Average:
Logan Stein, Black Hawks, 1.94
Erik Portillo, Saints, 2.11
Victor Ostman, Steel, 2.21
So here’s to more snow, more hockey, and a great finish to the USHL season! Let me know any feedback, specific players you’d like to see highlighted, or just general feedback. Contact and follow me on Twitter @Nwinansw for more USHL updates.
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