When the 2024-25 USHL season begins Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the DICK’S Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic, a number of teams will be getting their first looks at some new additions to their rosters. Whether they came via trade or from the USHL Draft or overseas, there is an expectation for some of these players to make an immediate impact.

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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. After taking a look at top tender signings of the offseason, here's a glance at five key familiar faces in new places.

Key Offseason Additions

Adam Benák, LW, Youngstown Phantoms (2025)

Drafted in the third round of the 2024 USHL Phase II Draft by the Youngstown Phantoms, Benak is making the jump to the North American game after his record-breaking performance for Team Czechia at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. He became the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 21 points in 10 games over the last two events. Despite being just 5-foot-7 and weighing 157 pounds, Benak is an offensive speedster who could go very high in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Lucas Van Vliet, C/W, Dubuque Fighting Saints (VGK)

After spending the last two seasons at the U.S. National Development Program, Van Vliet is returning for another year of development. The Michigan State recorded a combined 25 goals and 56 points with the NTDP while primarily skating in a bottom-six role. Van Vliet could experience a breakout year playing big minutes for the Fighting Saints.

Sam Laurila, D, Fargo Force

Like Van Vliet, Laurila is taking a third year in the USHL after spending the last two with the U.S. National Team Development Program. The North Dakota commit, who largely played in a defensive role at the NTDP, is expected to be used in more offensive situations with the Fargo Force.

Caleb Heil, G, Madison Capitols

Madison made two key draft-day trades to bolster their goaltending room, including Caleb Heil, who spent last season with the Sioux Falls Stampede in a secondary role. The 18-year-old posted a 4.32 goals-against average and 0.850 save percentage in 19 games. The North Dakota commit also saw four games with the NTDP U18 team while gaining valuable international experience at the 2023 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, the 2023 World Junior A Challenge, and the 2024 World Under-18 Championship.

Sam Spehar, F, Sioux Falls Stampede (2025)

After an 11-game sample with Muskegon to start the year last year, Spehar had an exceptional season for the Sioux Falls Power 16U team. Traded to the Sioux Falls Stampede this summer, Spehar uses his high-motor effort to play a 200-foot game. He had solid showings for Team USA at both the 2023 U17 Five Nations and 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup tournaments.

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