USHL Tri-City Storm

Storm Forward Walker Duehr Announces Commitment to Minnesota State Mankato

Published on January 27, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release


Tri-City Storm Forward Walker Duehr
Tri-City Storm Forward Walker Duehr
(Tri-City Storm)

Kearney, Ne. - There were times this summer when Tri-City Storm forward Walker Duehr felt like he was in a funk; he knew it was time for the start of another USHL season, but at Duehr's home in Sioux Falls, SD, the second-year forward had to wait to get back on the ice because of knee surgery in July.

"I was frustrated," said Duehr, speaking about the surgery and the five-month recovery process. "I've never experienced anything like that."

On Wednesday, six months after the surgery that left the 6-foot-2, 190-lb scorer unable to walk for two months, he wore a big smile at the Viaero Center just before the Storm hit the ice for practice. Duehr has announced his commitment to play for Minnesota State Mankato in the Western Collegiate Athletic Conference.

"It feels great to know the next step in my hockey career," said Duehr. "It's nice to know I'll have a home for four years."

The process to get to the "next step" was not simple after Duehr completed last season with the Sioux City Musketeers. First, there was a trade; The Storm acquired Duehr on May 6, 2015 from the Musketeers, making him the first Las Vegas Storm alum to join the Tri-City roster since Joey DiBenedetto in 2013-14.

Duehr's health was also in mind; he said he knew during the late stages of last season that something would have to be done about his knee, which had bothered him throughout 2014-15. Just more than two months after the trade, Duehr had the surgery. The screws from the surgery were removed from his leg in October.

Finally, there was the return to skating; Duehr said he skated about ten times coming of Injured Reserve and making his season debut with the Storm on Dec. 11 against Bloomington. He scored in his first game back and also added an assist. In 14 games this season, the winger has six goals and 12 points, more than he had in 49 games with the Musketeers last season (two goals and seven points).

"I learned last year to never get complacent," explained Duehr. "I talk to the young guys about always trying to be as consistent as possible."

"He's been through a lot and battled hard to get back," said Head Coach and General Manager of the Storm, Bill Muckalt. "Walker has made a real impact on our team. We're looking forward to continue working with him to get ready for college hockey. He has a bright future."

One week ago, Duehr was named to the NHL Central Scouting's 2016 midterm rankings. The list ranks the top North American and international skaters and goalies eligible for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The draft is set for June 24-25, 2016, at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York, home of the Buffalo Sabres.

Out of 210 ranked North American Skaters, Duehr is classified as "limited viewing", reserved for "injured players who have not had sufficient viewings to be categorized". Storm forward Wade Allison ranks #192 among North American skaters.

"It's been great to come back and help the team have some success," said Duehr. "We are looking forward to trying to keep it up."

This Friday at 7:05 p.m., the Storm starts a six-game road trip against the Fargo Force. Tri-City also plays the Force on Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

Tri-City is next at home on Feb. 19 against Sioux Falls for Thunderstruck Night, with a Free Kids Friday and a special thundersticks giveaway. Listen to Storm games on the Breeze 94.5 FM with David Fine on the Viaero Wireless Pregame Show. Watch the games on FASTHockey.

http://bit.ly/Storm_Tickets

Groups of 10+ can get discounted group tickets for as low as $11. For more information contact the Storm Box Office at 308-338-8144.

Check out the Tri-City Storm Statistics

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Tri-City Storm Forward Walker Duehr
Tri-City Storm Forward Walker Duehr
   



United States Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2016


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