January 16, 2007
The United States Hockey League is pleased to announce the rosters for the 2007 USHL Prospects/All-Star Game, to be held January 30, 2007 at Young Arena in Waterloo, Iowa.
Two teams of 20 players (18 skaters, 2 goaltenders) each were selected from each division. Players from the teams in the west division will all be on one team, while players from teams in the east division will be on the other. Players were chosen by a vote of USHL coaches.
"Being selected to participate in the USHL Prospects/All-Star Game is a tremendous honor, and I'm excited for the players that are having this opportunity presented to them," said USHL President Gino Gasparini. "It's something where players get to know how the other coaches in the league view them as players because they are the ones that vote them into the game."
The Des Moines Buccaneers led the way with seven players selected. Cedar Rapids and the hometown Black Hawks each had five players chosen.
"It's an honor and I'm extremely proud that seven Buccaneers have been selected by coaches in the USHL to represent our team and organization in the USHL All-Star Game," said Des Moines head coach Regg Simon. "They've all worked hard for this opportunity, but I truly think that it's a reflection of how much their teammates have helped them to get there."
Teams will be comprised of two goaltenders, six defensemen and 12 forwards each.
2007 East Division All-Stars
Goaltenders
Alex Kangas-Indiana
Matt DiGirolamo-Waterloo
Defensemen
Kevin Wehrs-Cedar Rapids
Mike Phillippi-Indiana
Vince LoVerde-Waterloo
Dan Lawson-Chicago
Derrick LaPoint-Green Bay
Blake Kessel-Waterloo
Forwards
Tommy Wingels-Cedar Rapids
Josh Turnbull-Waterloo
Sergio Somma-Green Bay
Steve Silva-Green Bay
Garrett Roe-Indiana
Andy Miele-Chicago
James Marcou-Waterloo
John Kemp-Indiana
Danny Hobbs-Ohio
Jacob Cepis-Cedar Rapids
Pat Cannone-Cedar Rapids
Robin Bergman-Cedar Rapids
2007 West Division All-Stars
Goaltenders
Jerry Kuhn-Sioux City
Matt Dalton-Des Moines
Defensemen
Shane Sims-Des Moines
Jeff Petry-Des Moines
Nick Petrecki-Omaha
Tristin Llewellyn-Tri-City
Chad Langlais-Lincoln
Colby Cohen-Lincoln
Forwards
Corey Tropp-Sioux Falls
Steve Schultz-Lincoln
Ben Ryan-Des Moines
Calle Ridderwall-Tri-City
Matt Read-Des Moines
Rich Purslow-Des Moines
Aaron Palushaj-Des Moines
Max Pacioretty-Sioux City
Jesse Martin-Tri-City
Dustin Gazley-Sioux City
Phil DeSimone-Sioux City
Carter Camper-Lincoln
The Waterloo Black Hawks, USHL Organization of the Year in 2003 and again in 2005, will host the event for the first time since 1996.
"Over the years, the entire event, not just the game itself, has been taken to a new level. It seems that every year, the host team raises the bar and this year should be no exception," said Gasparini. "Waterloo has been a tremendous organization for the league over the years. From Butch (Johnson - team owner) to Doug Miller and the people that work with him, they do an outstanding job and this is an opportunity for them to showcase their organization."
Tickets for the USHL Prospects/All-Star Game are available by calling the Young Arena box office at (319) 291-7680. You can also purchase tickets online at www.waterlooblackhawks.com.
