The first two weeks of the 2024-2025 USHL season are in the books.

All 16 teams debuted at the USHL Fall Classic outside Pittsburgh, and most teams began settling into their regular-season schedules this past weekend.

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While the standings are unlikely to remain in their current configuration as teams progress through the season, there are a number of intriguing storylines: the log-jam that is the Eastern Conference, the top powers in the West and goaltendings all are at the forefront after the first two weeks.

So, what have we learned?

Will Sioux City’s Hot Start Continue?

Sioux City looked like one of the deepest teams in the league entering the season, and the Musketeers have answered the bell thus far. 

Following their lopsided win over previously unbeaten Sioux Falls, the Muskies are the only remaining team in the USHL with an unblemished record.

How long will it last?

While nobody should expect Sioux City to remain perfect all year, let’s look at how they have gotten it done so far. 

Tate Pritchard is leading the way with five points after the first three games and is tied for the third-most points in the league. 

The Minnesota State commit is one of nine Sioux City skaters with at least two points, a select group that includes five forwards and four defensemen, lending credence that the Muskies are a well-balanced squad.

Added, Samuel Urban looks poised to have a monster year in his second full season. 

The Muskies netminder has started all three games and has posted a 1.67 goals-against average and .938 save percentage, yielding just five goals, which are the fewest of any goaltender in the young season. 

Sioux City will carry its perfect record into Scheels Arena for a battle with the Fargo Force (2-2) on Saturday night.

Pics of the home opener victory or it didn’t happen
📸 Homan Photography#SCMusketeers | #USHL | #SiouxCity | #BuiltTough pic.twitter.com/W0tgrUliNA

— Sioux City Musketeers (@Musketeerhockey) October 1, 2024

Lincoln Showing A Well-Balanced Scoring Attack

What if I told you the Lincoln Stars have three of the top-five point-producers in the league, and Blake Montgomery (OTT) is not one of them? 

Daniel Shlaine has been the most impressive player in the league out of the gates and leads all skaters in goals (five) and points (seven) after the first two weeks. 

Added, Dashel Oliver and Jack Pechar, who each tallied fewer than 20 points last year, already have five in four games.

Then there’s Montgomery, who was suspended on Friday night but returned the following night with a vengeance, posting a two-goal effort, including the overtime winner.

Overall, Lincoln leads the league in offensive production with 20 goals, and they have benefited from a steady attack. Nine players have recorded at least three points, and the five players with two points all have recorded a goal.

It’s early, but the Stars certainly are shining bright. 

Lincoln will have an early-season test on the road against Sioux Falls on Saturday night.

BMO WITH THE OT WINNER! #LNKHockey #StarsNation pic.twitter.com/k8MgXcZ4SI

— Lincoln Stars (@LincolnStars) September 29, 2024

What To Make Of Omaha’s Slow Start

While Omaha has some strong pieces returning from last season who will factor into the organization’s turnaround, we knew it would take some time for the Lancers to gel under first-year head coach Lennie Childs.

The schedule has not been favorable in the sense that Omaha has only played in two games, which came at the USHL Fall Classic. However, the early results in Pittsburgh were undoubtedly underwhelming after the Lancers found the back of the net just three times. That marks the lowest offensive output of any team thus far.

David Deputy, who scored on a breakaway against Madison, looks primed for a breakout season. He already has 11 shots on goal and figures to be an integral part of Omaha’s success. 

But the Lancers’ goaltending has left us wanting more after Mikhail Yegorov (NJD) and Kam Hendrickson both were pulled in relief in their first starts.

Omaha will travel to Green Bay this weekend for a two-game series against the Gamblers, who also are looking for their primary sources of offense.

Deputy berries this one!
Lancers 3 Madison 6. pic.twitter.com/XaI4686mTf

— Omaha Lancers (@OmahaLancers) September 19, 2024

Chicago Steel Flexing Goaltending Depth

Despite last year’s second-half surge that saw Chicago capture the sixth, and final, playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Steel surrendered the third-most goals (256) in the USHL. 

In the Phase II portion of the USHL Draft, Chicago selected former U.S. NTDP goaltender Jack Parsons, who was seeking a third year of development. 

Paired with Louka Cloutier (COL), who played much better than his numbers might suggest as a rookie, combined with his projected growth in his second season, the Steel have benefited from terrific goaltending performances thus far.

Parsons has fit in seamlessly and delivered 40-plus saves, while picking up wins in his first two starts. Meanwhile, Cloutier bounced back after allowing four goals at the USHL Fall Classic and gave the Steel a 27-save outing in Chicago’s most recent victory against Youngstown.

The Steel once again are one of the youngest teams in the league but feature plenty of talent that could reach its full potential as the season unfolds, making the Steel a team to watch. 

Chicago gets Dubuque and a rematch with Muskegon this weekend.

Woke up this morning feeling pretty Jacked up after last night's shootout win 😏💪#FeelSteel pic.twitter.com/X51sKknton

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) September 28, 2024

Cedar Rapids Still Looking For Offense

The RoughRiders were easily among the biggest winners at the USHL Fall Classic, delivering two remarkable performances backed by goaltenders Rudy Guimond (DET) and AJ Reyelts, who combined to stop 48 of 49 shots.

While the early return on the netminders has been positive, Mark Carlson’s squad still is looking for offensive contributors to step forward. 

Cedar Rapids has scored just eight goals in its first three games, which is tied for the fewest in the Eastern Conference. Amine Hajibi and Loa Milfors have accounted for half of the Riders’ goal output. 

Meanwhile, Landan Resendes, who leads the team with 12 shots on goal through the first three games, has found the back of the net once, as has tender signing Thomas Vandenberg (2026). 

Cedar Rapids will host Youngstown for two this weekend.

Congratulations to Riders Amine Hajibi on earning and being named USHL Forward of the Week! Hajibi led all USHL players with 4 points, scoring 2 goals and adding 2 assists in the RoughRiders’ victories over Omaha and Lincoln at the 2024 USHL Dick's Sporting Goods Fall Classic. pic.twitter.com/PT3Eu7KXyA

— Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (@RidertownUSA) September 23, 2024

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