For some of the top teams, week 21 of the USHL season didn’t go as planned. For teams that are on the bubble for the playoffs, their last chance to make a roster move was February 24 (my birthday).
On the news front, the USHL and College Hockey, Inc., have a new partnership, two former USHL players of the week are back to reclaim their thrones and we have updated standings with just over a month left before the playoffs begin.
USHL Announces New Education Consultant
College Hockey, Inc., will act as an education consultant for the USHL to ensure all USHL players meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Each team has its own academic advisor, and College Hockey, Inc., will serve as the liaison between the league and the NCAA.
“College hockey, Inc., is proud to work with the USHL to help the league’s players reach their academic goals. We appreciate the support of the NHL and the commitment of the USHL and its member clubs to ensure their student-athletes fulfill the requirements to compete at the NCAA level and thrive in the classroom,” said College Hockey, Inc., executive director Mike Snee.
USHL Players of the week
Forward of the Week: After a hot start to the season in which he recorded a point in 10 straight games, the early season MVP is back on track. Mathieu De St. Phalle was named Forward of The Week thanks to his four goals and three assists in three games. He recorded a +/- in those games of +4 as well. His seven-point weekend helped him take over the USHL points lead with 53. He now has a USHL career total of 129 points in 162 regular-season games. He’s committed to play for the University of Wisconsin next year.
Defenseman of the Week: Mitchell Miller might as well put Defenseman of the Week as his job title. Miller has been awarded the honor three times in the past five weeks. The most recent accolade comes in part to his one goal and four assists for a +/- of +4 in two games. Miller’s superb play now has him in NHL Draft talks to go in the top three rounds and he is ranked No. 48 on the North American Skaters Midterm Rankings list.
Goaltender of the Week: Another familiar face to this award is Kyle McLellan. McLellan’s past week included his third shutout of the season, one goal allowed, and a .984 SV%. His season record is 14-5-3-1 with 2.16 GAA and a .918 SV%. He will play college for Mercyhurst University.
USHL Standings
Western Conference: Waterloo Black Hawks- 29-13-2-0 (60 points) Omaha Lancers- 25-12-6-1 (57)
Fargo Force- 23-15-3-2 (51)
Tri-City Storm- 22-15-5-2 (51)
Lincoln Stars- 21-17-3-2 (47)
Sioux Falls Stampede- 20-17-5-1 (46)
Des Moines Buccaneers- 20-21-1-2 (43)
Sioux City Musketeers- 15-21-7-1 (38)
Eastern Conference:
Chicago Steel- 35-7-1-0 (71)
Dubuque Fighting Saints- 30-12-1-0 (71)
Team USA- 24-18-1-0 (49)
Green Bay Gamblers- 20-18-2-3 (45)
Youngstown Phantoms- 19-19-5-2 (45)
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders- (18-20-4-1 (41)
Madison Capitols- 9-31-3-1 (22)
Top USHL Players
Points Leaders:
Mathieu De St. Phalle, Steel, 53
Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, Steel, 53
Ty Jackson, Saints, 50
Goals Leaders:
Riese Gaber, Saints, 32
Trevor Kuntar, Phantoms, 27
Colby Ambrosio, Storm, 26
Assists Leaders:
Sean Farrell, Steel, 36
Ty Jackson, Saints, 35
Dylan Jackson, Saints, 31
Top USHL Goalies
Wins Leaders:
Victor Ostman, Steel, 23
Erik Portillo, Saints, 19
Gabriel Carriere, Black Hawks, 17
Save Percentage Leaders:
Jaxson Stauber, Stampede, .918%
Kyle McClellan, Lancers, .916%
Erik Portillo, Saints, .915%
Goals Against Average Leaders:
Erik Portillo, Saints, 2.11
Kyle McClellan, Lancers, 2.23
Logan Stein, Black Hawks, 2.33
Stay up-to-date with all junior hockey news by following our newsletter and streaming our podcast on all platforms. Be sure to keep an eye on the defending champion Stampede as we close out the season as they cling to a playoff spot. We’ll see you next wee
