The 2024-25 USHL season begins Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the DICK’S Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic near Pittsburgh, Pa. 

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All 16 teams will play their first two regular-season games across the five-day showcase at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in front of hundreds of NHL scouts, general managers, and executives in preparation for the 2025 NHL Draft.

To help get you ready for the Fall Classic and the season ahead, FloHockey’s USHL writer Ryan Sikes is here to share five thoughts on key topics to monitor as the season gets underway.

Tender Signings To Watch

In the USHL, many players that end up playing in the league at 16 years old have come via signing a tender with a specific team. Teams must be judicious with these decisions as they can only sign two players. Should they sign two, the team also forfeits their first two draft picks in the Phase I "futures draft." 

The USHL can be a tough league for a 16-year-old, but here are some of the high-profile skaters that will be experiencing their rookie years in the USHL during the 2024-25 campaign.

Cole Bumgarner, F, Fargo Force (2026)

Bumgarner has had a busy year. He signed with the Fargo Force in March, committed to North Dakota in early August, and played for Team USA at the U17 Five Nations Tournament later that month. Last season, the 16-year-old scored 34 points with 15 goals and 19 assists for Rogers High School (Minnesota). At the Five Nations tournament, he scored four points in four games, including two goals in the opener.

Adam Valentini, F, Chicago Steel (2026)

Valentini was one of two high-profile tender signings for the Chicago Steel. The 16-year-old earned the distinction of Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) Player of the Year after scoring 31 goals and 67 points in 32 games. He also played for the Canada U16 team at the Youth Olympics and recorded 11 points, which tied him for the third-most among all skaters.

Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown Phantoms (2026)

Hextall was easily Team USA’s best player in the faceoff dot, an area of his game that will undoubtedly translate to the Youngstown Phantoms this season. The Michigan State commit racked up 29 goals and 59 assists for the Chicago Mission 15U team last season, making his 88 points tied for the third-most on the roster.

Ilya Morozov, F, Tri-City Storm (2026)

Signed to a tender agreement by the Tri-City Storm, Morozov could be one of the most exciting young players in the USHL. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, the Russian phenom plays a heavy game down the middle of the ice. Morozov scored 33 goals and made 41 assists, totaling 74 points for the Windy City Storm 15U team last year.

Tynan Lawrence, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (2026)

Lawrence is a skilled and dangerous player in tight quarters because of his strong skating and quick hands. He signed with the Muskegon Lumberjacks after an impressive 49-point season with the Shattuck St. Mary’s 16U team. Lawrence is committed to playing for Boston University.

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