USHL announces year end awards

March 27, 2006 - United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release

The United States Hockey League announced today its individual year-end awards, as well as its All-USHL First and Second Teams and All-Rookie Team for the 2005-06 season, as selected by USHL coaches and presidents.

Second-year Des Moines forward Trevor Lewis, 19, was named Player of the Year and Forward of the Year after finishing second in league scoring with 35 goals for 75 points in 56 games. He was also a plus-25. The University of Michigan recruit from Murray, Utah, was also named to the All-USHL First Team.

"Trevor being recognized by our league and its coaches for this award is the ultimate compliment any player could receive," said Buccaneers coach-GM Regg Simon. "His commitment, pride and determination towards this season has been second to none."

Lewis was also the recipient of the Curt Hammer Award, given to the player who distinguishes himself as the most gentlemanly player, both on and off the ice, while demonstrating outstanding performance skills, pride and determination.

"We, as an organization, and myself, personally as a coach, couldn't be more happy or proud of the way he's played this season and conducted himself away from the rink," Simon added.

Lewis' teammate, forward Kyle Okposo, 17, copped Rookie of the Year honors after striking for 27 goals for 58 points in 50 games with the Buccaneers. The University of Minnesota recruit was also named to the All-USHL First Team.

Fourth-year Omaha defenseman Nick Schaus, 19, was named Defenseman of the Year. The UMass-Lowell-bound Orchard Park, N.Y., native tallied nine goals for 53 points in 60 games. He was also a plus-23.

Goaltender of the Year honors went to second-year Cedar Rapids netminder Alex Stalock, 18. The San Jose Sharks draft pick posted a league-high 28 wins and league-best .931 save percentage. The Minnesota-Duluth-bound Stalock also fashioned a 2.54 goals-against average.

Kevin Hartzell was named Coach of the Year. In his first season behind Sioux Falls' bench, he guided the Stampede to its first-ever Anderson Cup championship and first playoff appearance in four years as the team set a franchise record for wins in a season with 43.

Simon was named General Manager of the Year. Through trades and the USHL draft, he was the architect behind the Buccaneers' 16-win turnaround this season. In addition, 16 of his players have committed to Division I programs, tied for the most in the USHL with Omaha.

The Organization of the Year award went to Sioux Falls. Along with winning its first-ever Anderson Cup as the USHL's regular-season champions, the Stampede averaged close to 3,500 in attendance while raising over $55,000 for local charities.

2005-2006 USHL Award Winners

Individual Awards

Player of the Year Trevor Lewis, Des Moines

Rookie of the Year Kyle Okposo, Des Moines

Forward of the Year Trevor Lewis, Des Moines

Top Defenseman Nick Schaus, Omaha

Top Goalie Alex Stalock, Cedar Rapids

Coach of the Year Kevin Hartzell, Sioux Falls

GM of the Year Regg Simon, Des Moines

Curt Hammer Award Trevor Lewis, Des Moines

Organization of the Year Sioux Falls Stampede

All-USHL First Team

Goaltender Alex Stalock, Cedar Rapids

Defenseman Nick Schaus, Omaha

Defenseman Eli Vlaisavljevich, Lincoln

Forward Trevor Lewis, Des Moines

Forward Andreas Nodl, Sioux Falls

Forward Kyle Okposo, Des Moines

All-USHL Second Team

Goaltender John Murray, Sioux Falls

Defenseman Nate Prosser, Sioux Falls

Defenseman Eddie Del Grosso, Indiana

Forward Chad Costello, Cedar Rapids

Forward Ted Purcell, Cedar Rapids

Forward Mike Davies, Lincoln

All-Rookie Team

Goaltender Alex Kangas, Sioux Falls

Defenseman Shane Sims, Des Moines

Defenseman Chad Langlais, Lincoln

Forward Kyle Okposo, Des Moines

Forward Sam Gagner, Sioux City

Forward Kevin Deeth, Green Bay

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2006

• RoughRiders' Stalock named USHL goaltender of the year, all-USHL first team - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
• USHL announces year end awards - USHL
• Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Weekly Update - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
• Here come the playoffs! - Sioux Falls Stampede
• Coming In - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
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