February 1, 2010
Eric Steitz, Tri-City Storm Communications
Kurt Akers came to the Tri-City Storm in early January after leaving the University of Niagara. (photo by Todd Gottula/Tri-City Storm)
The Tri-City Storm is a stepping stone for young hockey players to go to the next level, whether it's collegiate hockey or professional leagues. For forward Kurt Akers, the path reversed.
Akers, formerly a member of the University of Niagara hockey team, found his way to the Storm in early January after earning minimal playing time at Niagara.
"I left Niagara for better opportunities," Akers said.
The change from an NCAA Division I program to the USHL's Storm has been relatively easy for Akers.
"It's actually a tiny bit slower paced," Akers said. "The kids here like to make a lot more skilled plays, which I am happy to do because I like to be a skilled forward and make plays."
The coaching staff is still evaluating Akers as he becomes more accustomed to the team and gets more game and practice experience, but coaches like his raw talent.
"He hasn't been here very long, but since he has, he's done real well," said Eric Fink, Storm assistant coach. "He's fast, he's got a decent amount of skill. He can be gritty too. He can get in and hit guys, which makes a big impact on the game."
"I'm pretty good behind the net, battling down low and making skilled plays between about the bottom of the hash marks," Akers said of his offense abilities. "Driving the net, scoring goals and putting the puck in scoring opportunities to all of the rest of my teammates."
Akers made a good early impression in his young Storm career with a goal in his second game, which sparked a rally and gave the Storm a 4-3 win over Sioux Falls. Akers added another point – a third-period assist on a Matthew Friese goal – in the Storm's 5-3 loss to Waterloo on Jan. 17
"He proved that he can score. Hopefully that's a trend that he can continue and not be a one game thing," Fink said.
Through nine games, Akers has two points (1g, 1a) with 18 shots on goal.
One of the biggest changes from college to USHL hockey Akers faces is the difference in scheduling. At the NCAA Division I level, most teams will play the same opponent twice in a weekend at the same venue, normally Friday and Saturday.
At the USHL level, the Storm can play at home Friday, make an eight-hour drive to play Saturday, and then drive back to Kearney for another game Sunday.
"You have to be prepared mentally, and physically you've got to be prepared," Akers said of the long weekends. "They could really take a toll on the body."
He is confident his new team will make the playoffs in his first season. "I definitely see us making the playoffs," he said. "We just got to keep battling hard."
A Glenview, Illinois native, Akers, 20, is the oldest skater on the Storm roster.
"The guys are great on the team," he said. "Great group of guys, and (it) seems like there is good chemistry in the locker room."
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its 31st season of junior hockey in 2009-10. With over 190 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 13 NHL Entry Draft picks currently on League rosters, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.
It’s not just hockey. It’s the USHL.
