Here is my list of early season all-stars. Feel free to tell my who you think is worthy and who isn't.
Eastern Division:
F - Tyler Thompson (Cedar Rapids) - 9 points (5-4--9) in 5 games.
F - David Boehm (Cedar Rapids) - 6 points (2-4--6) in 5 games.
F - Paul Carey (Indiana) - 7 points (6-1--7) in 4 games.
F - John Kemp (Indiana) - 5 points (2-3--5) in 4 games.
F - Brian O'Neill (Chicago) - 13 points (6-7--13) in 6 games.
F - Andy Miele (Chicago) - 12 points (9-3--12) in 6 games.
F - Andrew Miller (Chicago) - 6 points (1-5--6) in 6 games.
F - Matt Leitner (Ohio) - 5 points (4-1--5) in 5 games.
F - Tim Hall (Ohio) - 5 points (1-4--5) in 5 games.
F - Derek Roehl (Ohio) - 5 points (3-2--5) in 5 games.
F - Craig Smith (Waterloo) - 5 points (3-2--5) in 5 games.
F - Brock Montpetit (Waterloo) - 5 points (2-3--5) in 5 games.
D - Matt Donovan (Cedar Rapids) - 3 points (2-1--3) in 5 games.
D - Bryce Aneloski (Cedar Rapids) - 4 points (1-3--4) in 5 games.
D - Will Weber (Chicago) - 5 points (2-3--5) in 6 games.
D - Blake Kessel (Waterloo) - 3 points (2-1--3) in 5 games.
D - John Carlson (Indiana) - 6 points (0-6--6) in 4 games.
D - Cameron Burt (Green Bay) - 4 points (1-3--4) in 6 games.
G - Brady Hjelle (Cedar Rapids) - 4-1-0 with 1 SHO and a 2.20 GAA.
G - Aaron Crandall (Green Bay) - 0-4-1 with a 3.96 GAA.
Other Notables:
F - Mike Seidel (Cedar Rapids)
F - T.J. Syner (Indiana)
F - Jake Skjodt (Indiana)
F - Simon Olsson (Chicago)
F - Brian Dowd (Chicago)
F - Paul Weisgarber (Waterloo)
F - Billy Maday (Waterloo)
F - Mike Borisenok (Green Bay)
D - Max Nicastro (Chicago)
D - Luke Witkowski (Ohio)
D - John Lee (Waterloo)
G - Matt Hoyle (Indiana)
G - Rob Madore (Chicago)
G - Corson Cramer (Ohio)
G - Matt DiGiralamo (Waterloo)
Western Division:
F - Chris Connolly (Omaha) - 9 points (4-5--9) in 5 games.
F - Barry Almeida (Omaha) - 7 points (4-3--7) in 5 games.
F - Matt Thurber (Omaha) - 6 points (3-3--6) in 5 games.
F - Travis Novak (Omaha) - 7 points (1-6--7) in 5 games.
F - Nico Sacchetti (Omaha) - 4 points (2-2--4) in 5 games.
F - Spencer Heichman (Sioux City) - 6 points (3-3--6) in 5 games.
F - Donnie Hallmark (Sioux City) - 6 points (3-3--6) in 5 games.
F - Jason Gregoire (Lincoln) - 5 points (1-4--5) in 6 games.
F - Jared Festler (Lincoln) - 3 points (1-2--3) in 6 games.
F - Derek Elliot (Des Moines) - 3 points (3-0--0) in 4 games.
F - Mike Cichy (Tri-City) - 5 points (1-4--5) in 4 games.
F - Jake Hansen (Sioux Falls) - 6 points (3-3--6) in 5 games.
D - Keir Ross (Omaha) - 3 points (1-2--3) in 5 games.
D - Patrick Wiercioch (Omaha) - 2 points (0-2--2) in 5 games.
D - Matt Crandell (Sioux City) - 3 points (0-3--3) in 5 games.
D - Ben Blood (Des Moines) - 3 points (0-3--3) in 4 games.
D - Gabe Guentzel (Sioux Falls) - 4 points (2-2--4) in 5 games.
D - Cameron Cooper (Tri-City) - 3 points (0-3--3) in 4 games
G - Drew Palmisano (Omaha) - 3-0-0 with a 1.67 GAA.
G - Joe Rodwell (Des Moines) - 1-2-0 with a 3.61 GAA.
Other Notables:
F - Andrew Conboy (Omaha)
F - Joe Diamond (Omaha)
F - Joe Miller (Sioux City)
F - Stephane Da Costa (Sioux City)
F - Ryan Kretzer (Lincoln)
F - Travis Erstad (Lincoln)
F - Nielsson Arcibal (Des Moines)
F - Taylor Matson (Des Moines)
F - Locke Jillson (Des Moines)
F - Troy Mattila (Tri-City)
F - Brennan Vargas (Tri-City)
F - Chris Hickey (Tri-City)
F - David Grun (Sioux Falls)
F - Patrik Divjak (Sioux Falls)
F - Jack Connolly (Sioux Falls)
F - Nick Dineen (Sioux Falls)
D - Chris Hepp (Omaha)
D - Seth Helgeson (Sioux City)
D - Jake Newton (Lincoln)
D - Chris Franks (Tri-City)
G - Shane Madolora (Omaha)
G - Josh Robinson (Sioux City)
G - Fredrik Bergman (Des Moines)
G - Aaron Rock (Tri-City)
49 comments:
Points certainly tell you who is on the power play. But how about the rest of their game? Did you look at the +/-? It seems like it would make sense that power play players would have a very favorable +/- rating. But when a player has a strong minus and they also have several points, maybe the defensive side of the game is suffering? Just a thought.
Or maybe at the end of the day it is just about points?
Connelly and Dineen are certainly worthy of the all star team, rather than Hansen.
Three goalies in the entire league with a save% over .900...and two are on the same team. "Notably" bad performances at the time of year usually favoring goalie numbers and in a league reputed to emphasize defense. And the biggest "names" are getting lit up.
goalie pads are smaller this year, so I'm sure some are still trying to get used to them.
Very supportive, Ryan, but this doesn't seem to be affecting the numbers in ANY other junior league on the continent. Not sure that an inch or two makes THAT much of a difference anyway...at least it shouldn't.
no good goalies outside of omaha
Kyle Follmer of Lincoln is another one who should be on this list.
hey, they play with those bigger pads their whole life and have to go a bit smaller this year. It could cause some issues in the beginning.
Kretzker should be up on top and not listed in notables...please he is a "STAR" AT Lincoln..smart move Waterloo!!
Arcibal should be moved up ..leading the Buc's in scoring and Elliott shold be moved to notables..Buc's are really hurting for scorers this year!
Congrats to Connelly on a great season so far, look at all of the NAHL top scorers putting up BIG numbers in the USHL this year!! Where are all the NHL Draft picks listed... they are not doing much this year!?
I would have to Agree with no good Goalies outside of Omaha, and Looks the like the Omaha Team is just off to a good start .
D-man John (killer) Carlson is very gifted offensively. Plus he has the size to handle just about anyone he is up against. Defensively, he still needs work. Maybe end of season all-star, but not quite yet. Heck, he's just a 90 BY.
hjelle has played well and other than the night vs omaha robinson has played well too. I wouldnt go as far as saying omahas goalies are the only good ones. put them on a different team and you might be saying something different about them.
There are more than 3 goalies with save %'s over .900 you have to click show all and others appear for some reason.
"look at all of the NAHL top scorers putting up BIG numbers in the USHL this year!! Where are all the NHL Draft picks listed... they are not doing much this year!?"
What's your point? The NAHL is a lower league than the USHL. But we all know they develop good players. And the experience at that level clearly makes the transition easier to the USHL than from some HS or other leagues. Big deal.
Get over it.
-gbpuckfan
"There are more than 3 goalies with save %'s over .900 you have to click show all and others appear for some reason."
That is because goalies have to have a certain amount of minutes played to be eligible for top honors in the league.
cam burt... has phantom points...
you have too much time on your hands ryan
"Get over it" The USHL is now nothing more than a glorified High School League..more and more players are younger every year and most can't seem to produce much. Anyone watching that league over the years knows that it is weaker now because of this!
St. Louis, Witchita, and North Iowa (NAHL) could easily beat half the teams in the USHL. Oh, that's right, they can't play them and risk being beat. If the teams are so great, how can Green Bay be 0 and 5!?
Again, where are the "BIG" NHL Draft picks/Central Scouting List Players and their big numbers!
It is laughable that the Buc's goalies are even listed!? They got spanked Saturday night 7-1 by Cedar Rapids!
CR Fan
ryan have u seen halft these kids play ?
GB lacks talent, that's why they are 0-5. True rocket science there :)
And yes, I have seen them all play.
most NA teams couldn't beat a rug, GB may be 0-5 but they have way more talent than any NA team. any kid that is good enough to play in he ushl is going to playin in it over the NA
Omaha went to to the QMJHL and beat 2 teams there.(old arguement-they didn't have their players) I don't think a NAHL will want to play them nontheless win. That team will beat college teams.....
I bet Green Bay is sorry they dumped Shea Walters!?
It looks like they could have used him this year! Typical USHL, "dumps" the older kids and picks up the young high school players that rarely produce big numers anyway. They don't treat older players very well. No respect! This really waters down the league and makes for far less competition.
Good luck GB, and your lone gbpuckfan, you are going to need it!
Have watched both leagues for years.NAHL and USHL...I think some of those teams are better then you think. I mean they do have former, experienced USHL players on them. How can the top teams not be?!
Some USHL teams don't have a choice but to let the older kids go. Each team can only carry 4 over-age players (20 years old, 87 birth years) and many times this means dumping a couple of vets from their team.
Omaha may be doing great now, but can they sustain it for another 50 games? Dont think so.
Enjoy it now!
Would rather have a team lose the first 6 and come back to win the Clark! then start out 6-0 and fizzle
The USHL season is a marathon, not a sprint.
The best junior "A" teams in each league throughout Canada and the US would be competitive. Each league also has its "weak sisters" as is the case in any athletic league. It would be interesting indeed to see the Canadian Jr. A champion play the US champion (USHL/NAHL) in a best of seven series for a North American champion.
Interesting discussion on goaltenders. It seems like the USHL has gotten so focused on young kids that they wouldn't even look at an '88 or '89 goalie that wasn't already in the league this past summer. I truely believe that the focus on recruiting the 15 and 16 year olds will slowly push the USHL to be the second best college eligible junior league (behind the BCHL).
And no, I am not Canadian....
how can green bay be 0-5? rough start, that is like saying that a cfl team could beat the st.louis rams casue they are 0-7 or that a semi-pro team could be the atlanta trashers cause the trashers started off 0-6, think before you type
I have thought for a long time that the league was getting watered down because of lack of older players.
The fans that pay their money to attend need more than just watching the high school players. Give each team another couple guys with whiskers!
Something else I would like to see. Since this is a developmental league each player should get to play the same amount of games. I have seen too many times where players are on the roster and practice with the team then sit out the majority of the games. Also with two goalies on each team they should change the rules whereby the goalie that starts plays the first perios, the other goalie plays the second period, and coaches then pick who would play the third. Three years ago I watched a team that played the number 1 goalie 95% of the time. What happened to the second goalie that got to ride the pines, he worked just as hard in practice, went to school in a stange city, gave up his home life to play in 5% of the games???
LETS BE FAIR TO ALL!
Honestly, I don't think the problem in GB is lack of talent, it is nothing more than a horrible coach! Look @ last year, he could not do anything in the play off's and he had talent like Silva, Somma and Sislo. He has to go.
"I have thought for a long time that the league was getting watered down because of lack of older players."
Most players do most of the developing prior to 19-20 year old. The learning curve slows down quite a bit around that age. Not saying you can't learn more, just the curve is slower.
"The fans that pay their money to attend need more than just watching the high school players. Give each team another couple guys with whiskers!"
Adam Smith's theory on Economics will prevail. There isn't much difference in the average age now than compared to the pre-Tier 1 USHL days.
"Something else I would like to see. Since this is a developmental league each player should get to play the same amount of games. I have seen too many times where players are on the roster and practice with the team then sit out the majority of the games. Also with two goalies on each team they should change the rules whereby the goalie that starts plays the first perios, the other goalie plays the second period, and coaches then pick who would play the third. Three years ago I watched a team that played the number 1 goalie 95% of the time. What happened to the second goalie that got to ride the pines, he worked just as hard in practice, went to school in a stange city, gave up his home life to play in 5% of the games???
LETS BE FAIR TO ALL!"
I am not here to watch Mite Hockey. Junior hockey is a very competitive level of hockey and the best will rise to the top. I don't want Jimmy to have same amount of ice time as Bobby if Jimmy is way better than Bobby. When you reach this level of hockey, the ice time is based on several factors, talent, game situation and other factors, not keeping Jimmy's parents happy. Developement, means developing at the highest level competition possible for the players.
The USHL teams are also out there to win. If you are constantly losing, developing ends after 60 games. There are some T1 requirements on the minimum number of games a U-17 category must dress.
I do not want the team to switch goalies each period unless there is some stategic reasoning behind it. This is NOT mite hockey.
Walters was supposed to go to college this year, but didn't. He never got along with Mazz, so why should HE want to stay? Maybe it was GB that cut ties with him, but him that cut ties with GB.
BTW, he had 5 goals in 110 USHL games and has 8 goals in 10 NAHL games.
I am not sure why, but I was looking at the number of shots each team gives up per game and how many shots each team take each game and looked at the ratios. Here they are: Again this is Shots against vs shots for ratio.
Waterloo .. . 713
Omaha...... .747
Indiana.... .825
Sioux Falls .885
DesMoines.. .970
Cedar Rap... 1.0
Sioux City.. 1.01
Lincoln... 1.03
Green Bay.. 1.15
Tri City.. 1.18
Ohio.... 1.20
Chicago... 1.36
Conclusion is Waterloo plays pretty good team defense and Chicago might need to work on that concept a bit.
you guys got to take it easy on the goalies, we are only 2 weeks in and over half of these goalies are new to the league. and some are very young. we have to give them some time to adjust. let's see the stats in 1-2 months and im sure no one will be saying anything.
*I have thought for a long time that the league was getting watered down because of lack of older players.
The fans that pay their money to attend need more than just watching the high school players. Give each team another couple guys with whiskers!
Something else I would like to see. Since this is a developmental league each player should get to play the same amount of games. I have seen too many times where players are on the roster and practice with the team then sit out the majority of the games. Also with two goalies on each team they should change the rules whereby the goalie that starts plays the first perios, the other goalie plays the second period, and coaches then pick who would play the third. Three years ago I watched a team that played the number 1 goalie 95% of the time. What happened to the second goalie that got to ride the pines, he worked just as hard in practice, went to school in a stange city, gave up his home life to play in 5% of the games???
LETS BE FAIR TO ALL!*
....
seriously guy, sorry that your kid is a healthy scratch every game, and maybe you should learn something about HOCKEY! this isnt house league
Topic: On Walters....why didn't he go to college? Do you really believe that he cut the ties with GB? Remember he did get drafted by Omaha and went to the try outs, only to not even make the all star game.
I am sure it wasn't his choice to leave...for the NAHL...which is so beneath all the USHL players.......please!
I also heard playing time is also who your parents are and how much money have they donated to the team$$$
Wow! What a way to develop your son! Pay for playing time, not earn it!
I don't know that I'm Green Bay's lone fan.
In the past four years - during which we haven't won a single playoff game - Green Bay has ranked either 3rd or 4th in USHL attendance - always above 3,300 per game.
That's pretty good, considering there's competition from an NFL team, a D1 basketball team, a D3 hockey powerhouse.
Oh, and how would that do against the NAHL? Umm, first - the more than the bottom six combined.
Here's the deal. I like the NAHL. I think there's a place for it. I think it has some good players.
THAT SAID... As the Gold Cup proved before the move to Tier 1 (what, 20 or 23 titles by the USHL?) the USHL is a superior league. I don't think it would be any different now.
Yep, GB is 0-5-1. And we've got 11 players committed to D1 schools. Success in the USHL is not only defined by titles. (And we've got 2 Anderson, 2 Gold and 2 Clark in the past 11 years, BTW).
Would I rather GB be winning? Sure. Do I wish every kid would be successful here? No. Is every kid success on each team. Nope.
As for Shea, I'm glad he's having success there, because he certainly wasn't here.
And, yes, the USHL is a business, too. Part of the price players accept for coming here is that. In return, you play in nicer buildings in front of bigger crowds, at no cost to you, with more scouts around. And everyone knows that coming in.
-gbpuck fan
Take it easy on the goalies? As stated earlier, this time of year favors goalies. And the worst numbers are not the new kids, but the "big dogs" who've been around a while. In fact, a new goalie is the one who has performed well...Hjelle. USHL only junior league showing numbers like this.
gbpuckfan...
whats going on with gb? why are the struggling?
well, we've got few defensive returners and that unit is struggling.
we really juggled lineups alot in the first 6 games, so I don' think there's much cohesion yet
Crandall is now established, I think, in goal, but that took some time as Rank struggled in the 2 he played.
It's early... I'd rather be playing well in April than October. Hoefully we don't fall too far behind..
-gbpuckfan
Right now, Crandall is the best thing they have going for them. This kid is good.
It is all based on opportunity. If you are on PP and top lines you get a chance to put up big numbers and get noticed...see that not alot (some) of 1st year players on your list. Hopefully some new faces on this list later in the year, especially in the Western division.
Boy oh boy that o'neill kid looks like hes something special i s tol ya
yeah that kid has some impressive stats...have not seen him play though
Hepp should be in the all star game its not all about points. Hes one of the best and most feared defenders in the ushl.
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