Jim Hulton Named USHL General Manager of the Year
Published on May 29, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release
Chicago, IL "" The United States Hockey League today announced that Jim Hulton of the Tri-City Storm has been named the 2014-15 USHL General Manager of the Year as determined by a vote of League coaches and general managers.
It was the first full season for Hulton with the Storm after taking over part way into the 2013-14 season. He guided the Storm to a 37-17-6 record (80 points), finishing just one point out of first place in the USHL Western Conference standings. It was the most wins for Tri-City since the 2003-04 season (43), and they qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
Hulton guided the Storm to a 10-game winning streak from January 9th to February 7th, equaling a team record. They also produced a 10-game home winning streak from January 9th to February 28th which tied for a USHL season high and established a new Storm record.
Tri-City was among League leaders in multiple categories, most significantly first in the USHL by giving up the fewest goals (158) over the 60-game regular season. They ranked second in power play conversion (25.1%) and sixth overall in goals scored (202).
Hulton and the Storm began building the 2014-15 roster through the 2014 USHL Draft, adding some key pieces during Phase Two. Forward Mason Appleton was the team's first-round selection and went on to score 40 points (12g, 28a) this season for the Storm. The second-round selection in the draft proved to be a huge difference maker as they chose goaltender Alec Dillon. He posted a 23-11-4 record and led all USHL goaltenders with a 2.27 goals-against-average.
Off-season moves also bolstered the lineup, including the acquisition of Bobby Nardella from Sioux City. He would put up 42 points (10g, 32a), tying for third in scoring among USHL defensemen, and was key to the Storm power play as he dished out 22 assists on the man-advantage. The Storm also added Nick Master who spent the previous season in Cedar Rapids. He thrived with the Storm, tying for third on the team with 42 points (23g, 19a) and led them with a plus-20 rating. Jake Wahlin was another acquisition by Tri-City that paid dividends for the club as he put up 41 points (15g, 26a) in his first full USHL season.
During the season, Hulton made some key moves to help solidify the roster and make a run towards the playoffs. In December, the team acquired Jared Rutledge who played a significant role as a backup goaltender, posting a 13-3-1 record over 20 appearances. A February trade with the Bloomington Thunder brought veteran defenseman Vince Pedrie to the Storm. He would add seven points (4g, 3a) and post a plus-18 rating over 23 games down the stretch run of the regular season.
Veteran Storm players also thrived under Hulton's guidance. Chris Wilkie tied for the USHL lead with 35 goals which also tied a team record. Captain Garrett Gamez finished second in scoring on the team with 44 points (15g, 29a) in 44 games.
A total of 25 players that suited up for the Storm this season are committed to play NCAA Division I hockey. Additionally, three were selected to compete in the 2015 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game; forwards Wilkie and Matthew Freytag, along with defenseman Tory Dello.
Hulton has compiled a 54-43-8 record over the past two seasons in the USHL. He is the second Storm GM to be named the USHL General Manager of the Year, joining Bliss Littler who earned the award following the 2003-04 season.
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrated its 13th season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2014-15. A record 35 players were chosen in the 2014 NHL Draft and more than 350 players on team rosters this past season are committed to NCAA Division I schools, further establishing the USHL as the world's foremost producer of junior hockey talent.
United States Hockey League Stories from May 29, 2015
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- Hulton Named USHL General Manager of the Year - Tri-City Storm
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