Q & A With Nolan Culver

Today I am getting around to posting a quick Q & A with Youngstown Phantoms rookie forward, Nolan Culver.

Ryan: What was your path like before you making a USHL club?

Nolan Culver: My path before the USHL was playing high school hockey in Ohio for Sylvania Northview. My head coach Mike Jones helped me develop to where I am today.


RW: What helped you decide that the USHL, and Youngstown, was the best choice for you?

NC: The USHL was the right choice for me just because it is the best path to a college scholarship.


RW: What do you think will be the biggest challenge in your first USHL season?

NC: The biggest challenge will probably just getting used to the speed and tempo of all the games, will help me learn to make quicker decisions with the puck which is key.


RW: What are you looking forward to most this season?

NC: I'm looking forward to just developing as a player and getting better as an individual on and off the ice.


RW: I've been told that there are lots of schools looking at you. Does this put any added pressure to perform this season?

NC: It will add some pressure but I just need to play the game and be the hardest working individual on and off the ice.

Thank you to Nolan for taking some time out to answer some questions, and good luck to you this season!

Player Spotlight: Mike Dalhuisen

This will probably be the last player spotlight for the season. If I feel up to it, I might sneak in a few more before the season is officially over.

First off, I want to take a moment to talk about the LIVEHOCKEY bracelets and what Mike has been able to accomplish. Mike has sold thousands of these bracelets and collected many, many donations along the way to help support his family along with leukemia research. In last Saturday's regular season finale, Mike donated $3,500 to the leukemia research fund. It is great what Mike has been able to accomplish and it wouldn't be possible without all the support from the fans. I have collected many donations for Mike and he would like to thank all that have supported this great cause. There are still bracelets available, and the colors are baby blue, black, and white. If you're interested in purchasing a bracelet or multiple bracelets or would like to just donate and help support this wonderful cause, you can contact Mike at: mikedalhuisen@hotmail.com.





Name: Mike Dalhuisen
Current Team: Lincoln Stars
Position: Defense
Hometown: Nijmengen, Netherlands
Date of Birth: January 24, 1989
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Stats: 0 goals, 8 assists
Previous Team: Chicago Steel
College: None


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena to play in and why?

Mike Dalhuisen: My favourite arena to play in is definitely Lincoln, not only because I play here but just because the atmosphere is so great and the fans are the best in the league! My least favourite would have to be Chicago, the atmosphere there isn't very good and it just kind of takes away the "kick" you get after a big hit or a fight because it isn't very loud.


Ryan: Describe the differences between playing in Chicago and in Lincoln.

MD: The difference is very big, the people here in Lincoln love the Stars and the fans are great. The booster club and all the community service project we do is different than what I did in Chicago, I'm sure a big reason is because Chicago is such a big city that people aren't as familiar with the hockey team because of its shadow by the Blackhawks and other professional sports.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

MD: It is been an up and down ride for me, last year in Chicago I got into some troubles with my status as a foreigner playing in the USA, I ended up missing a lot of games and playoffs, coming to Lincoln was the best thing that could have happened and things have been great this year with the exception of missing a few games when I went back to Holland to be with my mom right before she died of cancer. But hockey-wise things here are really great!


Ryan: Which college would be your dream college to play for, and why?

MD: I don't really have a dream college to go to, coming from Canada and focusing on the OHL all my junior hockey career I never paid much attention to College Hockey, then after talking to many people I decided that it was the road I wanted to go at the last minute. So whatever comes my way I will check out and see what I like and dislike and go from there.


Ryan: What is it like playing for coach McGroarty?

MD: I really like it a lot. He is a very intense coach and loves to win just like me. Always expects hard work and 100% commitment and those are two things I was always brought up with and really keyed in on as I developed. He calls a spade a spade which I respect, doesn't beat around the bushes to try and sugar coat the situation just tells things the way they are. He does it so that we can learn from it and turn it into motivation to get better. You can talk to him like a coach but also like a father. He is respected by the players and knows the game of hockey very well.


Ryan: Has the adversity of the passing of your mother helped your game since you got back to Lincoln? If so, how?

MD: It has not helped my game. When I first came back no matter what I tried to do nothing seemed to be going right for me. The harder I tried, the worse things went. Struggling for a while I just kept working hard and kept telling myself that things will eventually iron out as long as I don't give up. My dad kept me motivated and told me every athlete goes through an obstacle course through his or her career and in order to achieve your goals you must continue to follow your dream and not let anything stop it. My mom would have wanted me to keep trying and she probably would have said " come on Mike, it over and done with turn the page and go out and play like I know you can."


Ryan: Coach McGroarty had you playing forward a few times this season. How did you prepare for the position change and did you like playing in the forward position?

MD: I didn't really get much time to prepare for it, it just kind of happened. I liked playing forward but not as much as I like defence. I am happy to be back on the defence.


Ryan: What goes through your mind when you drop the gloves?

MD: The only thought that I have is to win. I either go for the knock out or to get knocked out. Go big or go home is basically what I think. When I drop the gloves I am 1000% sure that I am going to win. Going into a fight with a confident mind set will often determine the outcome.



Thanks to Mike for taking the time to answer these questions! Also, don't forget to purchase your bracelets to help this young man and his great cause.

Player Spotlight: T.J. Syner

Just a heads up, I will be on a short vacation and will be back sometime Tuesday. So there won't be any blog posts for a couple of days.

Sioux City has scheduled a press conference for Monday.






Name: T.J. Syner
Current Team: Indiana Ice
Position: Forward
Hometown: Springfield, Massachusetts
Date of Birth: October 13, 1988
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Stats: 21 goals, 14 assists
Previous Team: Jr. Falcons (EJHL)
College: University of Massachusetts (2008)


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

T.J. Syner: My favorite rink to play in would have to be Waterloo's. The wide ice surface really opens up the game and the fans there are crazy. My least favorite is Sioux Falls rink. The small rink is tough for forwards to get around especially when the D are as good as they are in this league.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

TS: My USHL experience this year has been unreal. The level of hockey combined with the fan support is something I'll never forget. Everyone in the league is a good player and there is so much depth which makes every game a challenge.


Ryan: What is it like playing for coach Skjodt?

TS: Playing for Coach Skjodt has been a great experience this year. He's a smart coach that really knows what he is doing because he has played at such a high level himself. I have learned a lot of little things from him just this year that will definitely help me in college for the next four years.


Ryan: Describe the transition from the EJHL to the USHL.

TS: The transition from the EJHL to the USHL was a little difficult at first. The game seemed a lot faster and took some time to adjust to. Like I said, every game has been a challenge because the league is so strong, has so much depth, and so many skilled players.


Ryan: How do the fans differ from the EJHL to the USHL?

TS: The fans from the EJHL and the USHL are a lot different. While the EJHL is still a strong league, it doesn't draw nearly as many fans. The USHL has so many great fans and so much support from them. I know in Indy, we have so many dedicated fans that really give the Ice a lot of time and effort.


Ryan: What made Massachusetts the right school for you?

TS: Massachusetts was the right school for me for a lot of reasons. It was close to home, and the coaches there are awesome. It's a first class program and the academics are just as strong as the hockey program. They showed a lot of interest, and they treat their players really well.




Thanks to T.J. for taking the time to help out.

Player Spotlight: Brady Hjelle

Next up is Indiana's T.J. Syner, and that will conclude the player spotlights for a little bit. If you like these spotlights, let me know so I know to continue or not :)






Name: Brady Hjelle
Current Team: Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Position: Goalie
Hometown: International Falls, Minnesota
Date of Birth: May 3, 1990
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Stats: 22-13-3, 3 shutouts
Previous Team: International Falls HS
College: University of Minnesota-Duluth (2008)


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Brady Hjelle: Waterloo or Lincoln are my favorites because their fans are great and you can always count on them having a full house. My least favorite rink would probably be Sioux Falls because it's such a small sheet of ice.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

BH: So far my experience in the USHL has been unbelievable. There's no such thing as an easy game so you have to come to play every night.


Ryan: What was the adjustment like going from high school hockey to the USHL?

BH: Making the jump from high school has been a huge step. The guys are a lot faster, have harder shots, and it's just all around better hockey. My teammates and coaches have really helped me adjust.


Ryan: How tough of a decision was it to forgo your senior year of HS to play in Cedar Rapids?

BH: Leaving International Falls was probably the toughest decision I've had to make in my life so far but it was definitely the right choice and I'm really happy I made it.


Ryan: What made Minnesota-Duluth the right school for you?

BH: I had a blast when I went on an unofficial visit there last season and I really liked the coaching staff. It's also pretty close to home so my family will be able to watch more games.



Thanks to Brady for taking the time to help out.

Player Spotlight: Nick Pisellini

Next up is Brady Hjelle, and that should be posted in the next few minutes.






Name: Nick Pisellini
Current Team: Chicago Steel
Position: Goalie
Hometown: Itasca, Illinois
Date of Birth: May 25, 1990
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 175 lbs.
Stats: 11-4-1
Previous Team: Chicago Mission
College: None


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Nick Pisellini: My favorite place to play would be Des Moines. I love playing in a small rink and the atmosphere is amazing. My least favorite place to play would have to be Ohio. They have a great arena to play in, but it feels like you can hear a pin drop in there.


Ryan: How do you like being able to living and being able to go to school at home, instead of having to move?

NP: I am a great situation being able to live at home and play junior hockey. It is my Senior year and it was nice not having to leave my friends. I grew up playing at the Edge and my house is only 15 minutes away, so that makes everything even better.


Ryan: What made you decide that you wanted to be a goalie?

NP: Well when I was 8, I played forward and wasn’t very good, I think I had one goal all season. Our goalie couldn’t make a game, so I decided to strap up the pads. I had a great time and played real well, and the next year I was goalie full time.


Ryan: Being such a young goalie, how do you handle being the backup?

NP: I am looking at this year as a developmental year for me, a chance to learn and step in next year as the starter. Rob is a great guy and I love learning from him. He is always working with me and helped me with my game physically and mentally.


Ryan: What is it like playing for coach Poapst?

NP: Coach Poapst is a great coach and we are all fortunate to play for someone who knows the game so well and for someone who has played in the NHL. He makes coming to the rink everyday a lot of fun and he cares about each player a lot.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

NP: My USHL experience has been great so far. It was the hardest thing to jump from midgets to juniors so it was tough in the beginning of the year, but now that I have adjusted it is a lot of fun.



Thanks to Nick for taking the time to help out.

Player Spotlight: Matt Farris

Next Up: Two'fer Thursday, Nick Pisellini and Brady Hjelle.






Name: Matt Farris
Current Team: Sioux Falls Stampede
Position: Forward
Hometown: Pierre, South Dakota
Date of Birth: February 16, 1990
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Stats: 4 goals, 8 assists
Previous Team: Pierre HS
College: None


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Matt Farris: I would have to say my favorite arena to play in would be Lincoln, the atmosphere is incredible and the fans always make the game interesting. Now for the least favorite I am not really sure, I would probably say that the Resch Center in Green Bay because it is so big. It is a nice arena and the ice is fantastic but it is too big and they don't get enough fans to get the place going at all.


Ryan: You recently had your first USHL fight. How did it feel to be in a scrap? Would you do it again?

MF: Well at first I was a little nervous, I wasn't sure what it would be like and I was cautious but once the fight started and the adrenaline kicked in it was pretty sweet. You don't feel any pain and it leaves a great feeling inside when you are headed to the box. If needed I would do it again, I am not a big kid and I'm not a great fighter so I am not going to go out looking for fights for no reason but if our team needs momentum I would be more than willing to drop the gloves.


Ryan: If you could choose any college to play for, which would it be and why?

MF: I am not sure at the moment to be honest, if I had to say a college I would probably say the UND Fighting Sioux. They have a rich heritage and tradition and their arena seems like a great place to play. I have been to a few games their and the atmosphere in there during the games is hard to beat.


Ryan: What is it like playing for coach Hartzell?

MF: It has been a very educational experience thus far. He is a tremendous coach and has a lot of knowledge pertaining to the game of hockey that he can pass on if you just watch and listen. He is always teaching both on and off the ice and has helped to turn the Stampede into a first class organization.


Ryan: What is the transition like from South Dakota HS to the USHL?

MF: It is a huge jump. The level of play is twice as high, everything is bigger, faster, and stronger. There were things I could do in South Dakota that I couldn't even imagine working here. It has been a hard transition and one that has taken me all season, but I feel that I am starting to play better and at the standard required to play in the USHL night after night.



Thanks to Matt for taking time to help out!

Player Spotlight: Pasquale Terrazzano

Next Up is Sioux Falls' Matt Farris.






Name: Pasquale Terrazzano
Current Team: Ohio Junior Blue Jackets
Position: Goalie
Hometown: Lugano, Switzerland
Date of Birth: May 28, 1989
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Stats: 15-13-3, 1 shutout
Previous Team: HC Lugano
College: None


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Pasquale Terrazzano: I like it in Waterloo because I won every game against them and the people in the stands hate me a lot but that makes me just better :). I don't like Sioux Falls because the ice is too small.


Ryan: Being from Switzerland, what has the transition to a new country been like for you?

PT: It change completely. The people, food, rules. It's a way diffrent lifestyle than in Europe, but I like it and I think it's a good experience so far.


Ryan: What is the best part about playing for Ohio?

PT: I like it a lot because we have a great team and very good coaches!!! And we live in Columbus, a big city.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

PT: It's a very good league with a lot snipers who give me a hard time, but I kind of enjoy playing here. The people in the stands make me laugh sometimes and the players are tough, it's just good hockey, you know.


Ryan: How did you get started playing goalie?

PT: hahahah....sometimes when I was young my mother wanted my sister to watch me in the afternoon but she just wanna have a good time with her friends, so she put me in a little hockey club so that they can take care of me.



Thanks to Pasquale for taking time to help out, especially since English is not his first language.

Player Spotlight: Phil Ginand

Next up is Ohio's Pasquale Terrazzano.





Name: Phil Ginand
Current Team: Tri-City Storm
Position: Forward
Hometown: Milford, Massachusetts
Date of Birth: April 7, 1988
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Stats: 9 goals, 14 assists
Previous Team: New England Huskies
College: Mercyhurst College (2008)


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Phil Ginand: My favorite is Des Monies because it's a great atmosphere, loud fans, hard ice, and can't get enough of the thumbs down from the tailgaters as our bus drives by them.
Worst rink is Chicago, poor atmosphere and the double rink affect takes me back to peewee.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

PG: I've learned a lot of different life lessons and have grown as a person.


Ryan: What were your reactions to being traded, and how do you enjoy Kearney?

PG: The biggest thing about being traded was the transition. Different team, different coach, and different systems. I love Kearney. It's a great hockey town, with great people in it. I have great teammates and we have a lot of fun here. I was also fortunate enough to be housed with a great family which makes the expericence even better.


Ryan: What made Mercyhurst the right school for you?

PG: When I visted the campus, I loved it right away, the campus was picture perfect with the rink right on campus. Mercyhurst has been a sucessful program and always has a chance to make the NCAA tourney. The biggest thing was the coaches. I can't say enough good things about the coaches at Mercyhurst. Head coach Rick Gotkin and asst. coach Bobby Ferrias have treated me above and beyond and I can't wait to play for them.


Ryan: What is it like playing for coach Littler?

PG: It has been a different experience.



Thanks to Phil for taking time to answer these.

Player Spotlight: John Kemp

Next up: Tri-City's Phil Ginand.





Name: John Kemp
Current Team: Indiana Ice
Position: Forward
Hometown: Arcadia, California
Date of Birth: February 4, 1987
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Stats: 10 goals, 48 assists
Previous Team: USNTDP
College: University of Nebraska-Omaha (2008)


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

John Kemp: My favorite arena to play in would probably have to be Cedar Rapids, and my least favorite would have to be Omaha, just because I hate the song "the heat is on" which is the song they play all the time there.


Ryan: You have many USHL games under your belt now. What has been your best memory as a member of the Ice, and why?

JK: Definitely our playoff run we had last year. It was an awesome experience and it was great to see our team come together and just play our best when it really counted.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

JK: The USHL has been great. Every team is so well balanced that anyone can beat anyone. It's great to be able to travel and experience all these different cities and play in front of big crowds.


Ryan: What is the best part about playing for the Ice?

JK: It's a great city to live in and the Coliseum is great place to play. It's a very old arena and i just love the atmosphere in there.


Ryan: What factors came into play when you committed to Nebraska-Omaha?

JK: When I went on my visit I just really liked the campus and loved the arena. The coaches have also been great. They care alot about there players and are great guys.



Thanks to John for taking time to help out.

Player Spotlight: Gabe Guentzel

Next up is Indiana's John Kemp.




Name: Gabe Guentzel
Current Team: Sioux Falls Stampede
Position: Defense
Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota
Date of Birth: May 2, 1988
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Stats: 3 goals, 20 assists
Previous Team: Southern Minnesota Express
College: None


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Gabe Guentzel: My favorite rink would have to be Lincoln, the atmosphere in that rink is incredible, it's always loud in that rink and their fans are always into the game. My least favorite rink would have to be Ohio, they don't get many fans and there is no energy in their rink.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

GG: My USHL experience has been great, it's a great league with a lot of exposure for the players. There are so many good players in this league, that you're gonna better with every game.


Ryan: Describe the transition from the NAHL to the USHL.

GG: The transition from the NAHL to the USHL was tough at first. In the USHL, there is a lot more depth on every team, every guy in the lineup has a lot of skill and are good players, as in the NAHL teams have two good lines and then it drops off.


Ryan: What is your favorite thing about Sioux Falls?

GG: My favorite thing about Sioux Falls would have to be the selection of good restaurants, there a lot of great places to grab a good meal.


Ryan: What are some of your hobbies outside of hockey?

GG: I like to golf, fish, go bowling, and waterski.



Thanks to Gabe to helping out!

Player Spotlight: Brent Gwidt

Up Next: Sioux Falls' Gabe Guentzel.




Name: Brent Gwidt
Current Team: Indiana Ice
Position: Forward
Home Town: Minocqua, Wisconsin
Date of Birth: February 20, 1988
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 203 lbs.
Stats: 8 goals, 11 assists
Previous Team: Team Wisconsin
College: University of Nebraska-Omaha (2008)


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Brent Gwidt: My favorite arena to play in would have to be Linocln. The atmosphere there is unreal. Regardless if you are the home team or the away team, all the noise gets you pretty pumped. My least favorite arena to play in would have to be Sioux Falls because it is such a small ice surface, and being on Indiana where we have the biggest sheet in the leage it is a pretty big adjustment when we go to Sioux Falls to play.


Ryan: What made you decide Nebraska-Omaha was right for you?

BG: The coaches at Nebraska-Omaha were great. I really liked how they showed a lot of interest in me. That means they really want me to be a part of their program. Also I have a couple of former and current teammates that play/will be playing there and they had nothing but great things to say about UNO. Im really excited to be a part of a team that has a good future ahead of them.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

BG: My USHL experience so far is unexplainable. To be able to play in the best junior leage in America means alot. The talent in the league is phenomenal. Every game is a battle. I have enjoyed every day of my junior career and I'm sure i will miss it very much next year.


Ryan: What has been your best memory in the USHL so far?

BG: My best memory so for would definitely have to be our playoff run last year. Going into playoffs Indiana was such an underdog, because we hit a pretty big rough patch at the end of the season. Then we went on a 6-0 run after the first two rounds into the Final Four. We ended up getting beat by a very good Sioux Falls team that ended up winning the Clark Cup. It was a pretty good way to end our season.


Ryan: How has your role changed now that you’re a 2nd year guy?

BG: My role this year is much different than last years. I play a big role on our penalty kill which is very strong this year. Also I am one of the assistant captains this year, so being a leader on and off the ice is very important if you have a letter on your jersey.



Thanks Brent for taking time to help out.

Player Spotlight: Josh Myers

Next up is Indiana's Brent Gwidt.




Name: Josh Myers
Current Team: Lincoln Stars
Position: Forward
Home Town: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Date of Birth: April 26, 1990
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Stats: 3 goals, 2 assists
Previous Team: Pikes Peak Miners
College: None


Ryan: What is your favorite (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Josh Myers: Of course Lincoln is my favorite rink. I watched CC play as a kid from age 4 to 16 and this crowd is par with the 7000 or so CC packs in. Outside of the Ice Box Tri-City beacuse it was the first USHL rink I had ever walked into.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

JM: Unforgetable because you learn so much from the experience. I love the quality of players and the fantastic crowds. It's a very fast game here and if you don't play both ends of the ice you're toast.


Ryan: What is the best part about playing for the Stars?

JM: The fans because we have close to a sold out barn every night and they are so dedicated no matter how we are doing. They know the game and are fun to play in front of. It's nice to go out places and be recognized and asked about the games.


Ryan: What player would you say you try to model your game around and why?

JM: Jason Gregoire because he is such a great leader a great role model on and off the ice. He kind of personifies our team.


Ryan: How did you get started playing hockey?

JM: My parents had gone to a few Colorado College games and had thought they would have me try. They put me on the ice when I was 4. I always seemed much faster than other kids and speed has always come easy for me. I've missed 1 game in the past 12 years due to a sore ankle! I love this game!



Thanks Josh for taking some time to answer these.

Player Spotlight: Michael Dorr

Real quickly, there is a new Tri-City Storm board out there.

Up next: Lincoln's Josh Myers.



Name: Michael Dorr
Current Team: Des Moines Buccaneers
Position: Forward
Hometown: Roseville, Minnesota
Date of Birth: December 28, 1988
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Stats: 4 goals, 13 assists
Previous Team: Roseville HS
College: University of Minnesota (2008)


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Michael Dorr: My favorite arena to play in other than KGGO Arena is Young Arena. It is an Olympic sheet of ice and that is to my advantage with my speed. I also like how the fans get so into the game. I will never forget last year in playoffs when Des Moines faced off against Waterloo and how loud the fans were. You couldn't even hear yourself talk during warm-up. They have a good fan base in Waterloo. My least favorite arena to play in is Chicago's arena. It reminds me of a H.S. or Midget arena. It doesn’t have the excitement as the other arenas in the league.


Ryan: What were your thoughts and feelings when you found out coach Simon resigned?

MD: Obviously everyone was surprised. Coach Simon is a great coach and will do well wherever he ends up. Everyone on our team really got along with him and we wish him the best of luck.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

MD: My USHL experience has been different from your normal junior player. Des Moines picked me up after my junior yr. of H.S. (05-06 season) and I was put on the playoff roster. That year Des Moines had a very special team with some extremely talented players. They went on to win the Clark Cup Championship. The following year (06-07 season) I moved to Des Moines and appeared in 12 games before I went home to Minnesota to finish my senior year of H.S. hockey in my home town of Roseville. My H.S. season ended in early March. I was able to return to Des Moines and play in the remaining 14 regular season games and playoffs. This season thus far I have appeared in only 21 games due to shoulder surgery this past July.


Ryan: What is the best part about playing for the Buccaneers?

MD: The best part about playing for Des Moines is the fans. Our season hasn't gone they way we wanted it but our fans have still continued to show how much they support us. I think it is awesome that we continue to have sell-out crowds and to know your fans will always be supporting you is a great feeling.


Ryan: What are some of your hobbies outside of playing hockey?

MD: Some of my hobbies are golfing, fishing, wakeboarding, tennis. I like to be outdoors.




Thanks to Michael for taking time to participate.

Player Spotlight: C.J. Lee

Power Rankings are down the page a little, so scroll down if you want to check those out.

Next up: Michael Dorr of the Des Moines Buccaneers.




Name: C.J. Lee
Current Team: Green Bay Gamblers
Position: Forward
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
Date of Birth: April 28, 1989
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175 lbs.
Stats: 13 goals, 11 assists
Previous Team: New Jersey Rockets
College: RPI (2009)


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

C.J. Lee: My favorite arena would have to be Waterloo because the atmosphere is great and the ice sheet is Olympic size. My least favorite rink would probably have to be Ohio. The times we played there we really didnt have a place to keep our gear and the games were scheduled really late at night.


Ryan: What were your thoughts and feelings when you found out coach Mazzoleni was fired?

CL: When Coach Mazzoleni's contract was terminated it was very shocking because we were about to leave on the road and it came out of nowhere. All I can say is that I respected Coach Mazzoleni as a coach and even more as a person and admired him for his positive and "never say die" attitude.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

CL: Its been great so far. From the caliber of players, to the rinks, to how everything is done in this league is so professional. At first the transition was pretty tough but once I gained some confidence and was given a couple of opportunities I really picked my game up to the next level.


Ryan: What is the best part about playing for the Gamblers?

CL: The best part about playing for the Gamblers would have to be how close of a team we have. Although things haven't been going our way this season, we always stick together and play our hardest every game. Also the city isn't too bad with Lambeau Field and the Packers.


Ryan: What made RPI the right school for you?

CL: RPI was the right fit for me both academically and athletically. Ever since I was young I wanted to study engineering and RPI has one of the top programs. As for hockey, the coaching staff is great and I feel they are a team that is getting better and better every year.



Thanks to C.J. for taking some time to answer these.

Player Spotlight: Eddie Olczyk

Power rankings will be coming up before too long.

Green Bay's C.J. Lee is next up after Olczyk.



Name: Eddie Olczyk
Current Team: Waterloo Black Hawks
Position: Forward
Hometown: Long Grove, Illinois
Date of Birth: June 17, 1989
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Stats: 6 goals, 4 assists
Previous Team: Sioux City Musketeers
College: None


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Eddie Olczyk: My favorite arena would have to be Des Moines. You can always count on the fans to be pretty rowdy and bring a consistent vibe throughout the game. My Least favorite rink is Sioux Falls. I don't like how small it is, especially from playing home games on an olympic sized sheet.


Ryan: Describe your USHL experience so far.

EO: I've noticed a big difference in playing in the league for 2 years now. After a rookie season of experience and learning, my 2nd season has given me a good chance to step up as a veteran and help lead the team. I'm really pleased to be in Waterloo, the coaching staff her has given me a great opportunity to play with lots of exposure.


Ryan: How has your time with Waterloo differed from your time in Sioux City?

EO: Sioux City is a great city, and I've made a lot of close relationships with teammates and people from the area. But by making a move to Waterloo I think has really given me a chance to show what I can do to bennefit my hockey career.


Ryan: What is it like going from being teammates with your brother, Tom, to having to compete against him?

EO: It's pretty crazy. It's hard to believe that 2 months ago we were in the lineup together, and then after my trade we were lining up on a draw getting ready to wheel down the ice for different teams.


Ryan: Your dad is currently an analyst on Versus. Would that be a profession you’d enjoy after your hockey career is over?

EO: I think it's something I'd maybe like to do later on down the road, and hopefully his advice and experience can guide me to where I want to get to with the rest of my hockey career.



Thanks to Eddie for taking time to answer a few questions.

Player Spotlight: Ryan Schnell

Name: Ryan Schnell
Current Team: Chicago Steel
Position: Forward
Hometown: Cary, Illinois
Date of Birth: January 13, 1989
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Stats: 2 goals, 8 assists
Previous Team: USNTDP
College: None


Ryan: What is your favorite and least favorite arena (outside of your own) to play in?

Ryan Schnell: My favorite rink is Cedar Rapids because it is a perfect rink for the USHL. It is always packed there and it gets loud, it's a great atmosphere to play in and is always fun. Ohio is my least favorite rink to play in because there are no fans there and it is a huge NHL rink which makes it feel completely empty. It is not a hard place to play in.


Ryan: Is there a special reason you wear the number you wear?

RS: There is no reason why I wear number 12, I like 18 but I couldn't get that this year so I just picked 12.


Ryan: How did the NTDP help prepare you for the USHL, and how did you like the NTDP?

RS: The NTDP prepared me for the USHL a lot. The coaching, training, games, and travel makes you grow up fast and you learn a lot about yourself on and off the ice. It does a great job as a learning experience and for this year I felt like I was able to play with no hesitation and was comfortable with the speed of the league. I was well prepared for this year. There is nothing else like playing for your country, especially in international tournaments. It was extremely competitive there for the two years I was there. It was awesome to play with the teammates I had and it was a great experience in my life.


Ryan: With the departure of Andy Miele, how has the team responded?

RS: With Miele being gone, no one really knew what it would be like. We went 6-0-1 once he left and everyone picked up their level of play. I think we couldn't of responded any better as a team. He was the leader of our team and we miss him in the locker room but we are still a team that can win no matter who's playing and who's not playing.



Thanks to Ryan Schnell for taking the time to take part.

Player Spotlight: Derek Roehl

This is the first installment of this new feature on the blog. I plan on featuring multiple players from each team, in an attempt to allow the fans to know these players a little bit better. Thanks to Derek for taking time to answer some questions.


Name: Derek Roehl
Current Team: Ohio Junior Blue Jackets
Position: Forward
Hometown: Clinton Township, Michigan
Date of Birth: April 20, 1988
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Stats: 22 goals, 11 assists
Previous Team(s): Youngstown Phantoms, Lincoln Stars, Cleveland Barons
College: Western Michigan University (2008)


Ryan: What are your favorite and least favorite arenas (outside of your own) to play in and why?

Derek Roehl: My favorite rink to play at is Lincoln's because the atmosphere is just unreal and very motivating. My least favorite is Chicago. There isn't very much adversity to face.


Ryan: What factors made you choose Western Michigan?

DR: I chose Western Michigan because it was my best offer and the best opportunity for me to pursue a career with hockey. It is also in my home town and I know my dad will be at every game possible.


Ryan: Is there any special reason you were the number you wear?

DR: I decided to wear 21 this year bc its the number my dad wore his last year of juniors before he was offered a full scholarship to the University of Denver.


Ryan: What player would you say you try and model your game around?

DR: I'd say I model my game around Pavel Datysuk.


Ryan: What is the transition like from the NAHL to the USHL?

DR: The transiition is alot different. The NAHL is more of a choppy game-style where the USHL is a finesse style of play. There is alot more skilled players in the USHL.