The USHL Drops The Puck Thursday (With 7 Alaskans)

The Midwest-based United States Hockey League opens play Thursday with its Fall Classic in Sioux City, Iowa -- think that's basically the tournament that used to be called the Buc Bowl because it was held in Des Moines, home of the Buccaneers. Anyhow, everyone I know still calls it the Buc Bowl, and about every college hockey recruiter who owns a trenchcoat will be there.

As the puck gets ready to drop, we took a peek at rosters from around the league and came up with seven Alaska kids who are playing in the league.

Here goes:

Chicago Steel: Zack Rall, D, Anchorage.

Fargo Force: Brian Cooper, D, Anchorage.

Green Bay Gamblers: Steve Summerhays, G, Anchorage.

Lincoln Stars: Dax Lauwers, D, Anchorage; Jared Hanson, F, Palmer.

Tri-City Storm: Grant Dye, F, Anchorage.

Waterloo Black Hawks: Scott Wamsganz, F, Anchorage.