USHL Weekend Watch: Phantoms Take On NTDP U17s
This weekend in the USHL, Youngstown and the NTDP U17 squad meet in a two-game series at USA Hockey Arena
As the calendar flips to March, the games become that much more important. Chicago and Dubuque already squared off earlier this week, with the Fighting Saints taking that game in overtime. Will Staring scored his first and second career USHL goals on his birthday, no less.
The Steel hold a seven-point lead over Green Bay and Youngstown entering this weekend’s slate of games, but Chicago has played in three more games than both teams.
Dubuque will look to keep their recent winning ways going with a home-and-home against Des Moines. Before we look at a few games to keep an eye on… Fargo will host Omaha for two, Chicago has Madison at home for two, Green Bay will host the NTDP U18 squad for two, and Tri-City will host Sioux Falls for two games this weekend.
Without further ado, here’s a look at what to watch this weekend.
Youngstown Vs. NTDP U17s
The Phantoms are coming off taking two-of-three against Cedar Rapids last weekend, including a 4-1 contest at the Cleveland Classic outdoor game.
Youngstown has gone 7-2-1-0 over its last ten games, surging to a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference standings with 55 points.
The NTDP U17 squad split a pair of games with Muskegon last weekend. Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, and Cole Hutson were called up to the U18 team, so it’ll be interesting to see how the U17 squad fares the rest of the way.
Youngstown won a pair of one-goal games at the Covelli Centre the last time these two teams got together.
Player To Watch:
Jacob Fowler, G, Youngstown, 2023 draft-eligible
After a shaky first month of the season, Fowler is proving why he’s projected to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Orlando, FL., native owns the second-best goals-against average (2.30) and save percentage (.921) in the USHL. Since November 25, he’s won 15 out of his last 18 starts.
Lincoln Vs. Sioux City/Waterloo
The Stars probably couldn’t wait to leave February in the rearview. After a promising start to the month, Lincoln dropped their last six contests and has gone 4-4-2-0 over its last ten games.
Rocky Russo’s club sits in third place in the Western Conference with 53 points, and they’ll try to put some distance between them and Tri-City, who is just four points back after going 4-0-1-0 over its last five games.
They’ll host Sioux City and Waterloo at The Ice Box, where they’ve gone 15-4-2-0 this season.
The Musketeers will look to right the ship after going 2-8-0-0 over their last ten games, winning their most recent game against Lincoln, 7-5. Sioux City has fared well against the Stars this season, going 4-3-0-0 in seven previous matchups.
Meanwhile, Waterloo will look to continue its climb in the standings, having gone 7-2-1-0 over its last ten games.
Player To Watch:
Tanner Ludtke, F, Lincoln, 2023 draft-eligible
After a couple of recent stretches of being held off the scoresheet, Ludtke is red-hot right now. The Elko, Minn., native has points in his last four games, collecting four goals and three assists over that span.
Muskegon Vs. Cedar Rapids
The Lumberjacks are coming off a two-game split against the NTDP U17 squad, including a 7-4 on Friday. In that game, Muskegon saw six different skaters score, with Ethan Whitcomb potting two goals.
As previously mentioned, the RoughRiders lost two of three to Youngstown last weekend, salvaging a win on Saturday night. Cedar Rapids holds a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but they’ve gone 3-5-1-1 over their last ten games.
With wins this weekend and some help from Dubuque, the Riders can move into fifth place in the standings.
Player To Watch:
Charlie Lurie, F, Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids quietly made an excellent roster addition before the USHL’s trade deadline in forward Charlie Lurie. The Minnetonka, Minn., native is on his fourth team in two seasons, but he’s hoping that he can help the RoughRiders make the playoffs this year.
Prior to the trade, Lurie had 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 42 games for a Lancers squad with the fewest goals scored in the league. He should have more support in Cedar Rapids.