The USHL teams released their final rosters/protected lists[1] today! Time to start working on the game face and stretch out the vocal cords. Seriously ready for some puck.

Surprises to me so far

• The Stars stand pat with an exceptionally inexperienced crew of forwards. Number of goals scored last year by returning Stars forwards this season: 0.
• On the other hand the Stars could have one of the most dominant blue lines around. Lots of size (except for Willett), lots of speed, and a couple of heavy slapshots.
• The Lancers have a billion returning starters this year and have to be a favorite to take the West
• Last year a Lancer, this year a Star: Dominic Sacco
• Wilson Vershay stays with the Stars instead of opting for the OHL where he was drafted
• Gersich didn’t make the Lancers roster–he’s still an affiliate. Absolutely loved the spark he brought at the end of last season to a team otherwise intent on navel gazing
• Nash Warden is a forward this year (at least to start the season). Fun to watch wherever he lines up.

The only home exhibition game is tomorrow night at Tranquility. Going to try to make that!

[1] http://www.ushl.com/pdf/2013-14%202ManProtectedList.pdf