July 13, 2010
Team USA forward Rocco Grimaldi. (USHL Images)
Team USA forward Rocco Grimaldi has committed to attend the University of North Dakota following his USHL career.
During the 2009-10 season, Grimaldi posted 20 points (11g, 9a) in 32 USHL games for Team USA's U17 squad while serving as team captain. The 17-year-old native of Auburn Hills, Michigan tied for the lead on Team USA with six power play goals.
Grimaldi joins Team USA defenseman Derek Forbort who is also committed to the University of North Dakota. Four other USHL players from the 2009-10 season are also committed to the school; Michael Parks (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Colten St. Clair (North Dakota), Danny Mattson (Chicago Steel), and Nick Mattson (Indiana Ice).
The University of North Dakota is a member of the WCHA and had 13 USHL alumni on the Fighting Sioux roster in 2009-10; Derrick LaPoint (Green Bay Gamblers), Corey Fienhage (Indiana Ice), Danny Kristo (Omaha Lancers), Mike Cichy (Indiana Ice), Mario Lamoureux (Tri-City Storm), Brett Bruneteau (Des Moines Buccaneers), Jason Gregoire (Lincoln Stars), Joe Gleason (Des Moines Buccaneers), Brad Malone (Sioux Falls Stampede), Ben Blood (Indiana Ice), Jake Marto (Omaha Lancers), Ryan Hill (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Chris Vande Velde (Lincoln Stars).
In addition, Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol spent four seasons in the USHL (1996-2000) as the head coach of the Sioux City Musketeers. He was named USHL Coach of the Year for the 1996-97 season after leading the Musketeers to a 32-21-3 record.
USHL stats - Rocco Grimaldi
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrated its eighth season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2009-10. With over 235 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 35 NHL Entry Draft picks on League rosters this past season, 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.
