Tracking USHL Part 1 of 3

First stop looking at notable performances in the USHL is the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders. Former International Falls goalie Brady Hjelle has been steady in goal winning seven of his first 10 starts with a save pct. of .934 and GAA of 2.28. Former Blaine Bengal Ben Lynch was hoping a team would give him a chance in the USHL and his hard work as paid off as he has contributed two goals and three assists for the Rough Riders in 10 game and has a +3 as well.

One of the most underrated players last season was Drew LeBlanc of Hermantown. He led his team to a Class A state championship and wasn't getting a ton of love from WCHA schools. Since then his stock has risen and he has committed to play for St. Cloud State. LeBlanc is the only Minnesotan on the Chicago Steel. He currently has three goals and three assists in 10 games this season. His goal last weekend broke a streak of four games without a point. The Steel have currently lost five games in a row.

University of Minnesota fans have plenty to track on the Des Moines Buccaneers. Three future Gophers are listed on the roster. Roseville's Michael Dorr is currently on Injured Reserve and hasn't played a game yet this year. Former St. Thomas Academy Cadet Ryan Walters and former Holy Angels Star Taylor Matson are skating for the Bucs. Walters is still looking for his first goal, but does have two assists while Matson has two goals and two assists in four games.

The best sophomore goalie in the state last year was Joe Howe of Wayzata. Howe played three games in October for Waterloo this fall. His record was 1-2 and things didn't go well for Howe in his last two starts giving up nine goals while facing 53 shots. Moorhead's John Lee is also on the Waterloo roster. He's a talented defenseman and is currently -2. He has a goal and an assist, both while on the power play. Nick Larson of St.Thomas Academy and Mike Fink of Hopkins are both playing forward for Waterloo. Larson has four goals in eight games and Fink has one assist in five games.