USHL Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

Riders' Aneloski Commits To UNO Mavericks

Published on October 27, 2009 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders News Release


19 year old Bryce Aneloski from Pekin, Illinois, took everyone by surprise when he came in second behind Jeff Costello in scoring through the first three weekends of the United States Hockey League 2009-2010 season. The third- year defenseman has three goals and five assists in six games - whereas last season he had 12 points over 38 games.

"I always knew I could play offensively," Aneloski said. "I didn't really do it as much my first two years here. But I feel real comfortable on the power play. That's how I get all my points, on the power play. So it's nice to get off to a good start personally.-

Just after Aneloski told Cedar Rapids Gazette sports reporter Jeff Johnson that he was, "sitting back and letting (college) take care of itself," the news came that he had officially committed to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Aneloski played the 2007-08 season in Cedar Rapids, then returned after one semester at Providence College last year.

"I knew when I came back (last season) that I was going to play here this year, and I was OK with that," Aneloski said.

"I think I rushed out of here my first year. I wish I would have stayed and played two years, then it would have been a different story. But I'm glad to be back. I'm having a great time playing. I love it.-

And it looks like he will continue to play indefinitely, and for a well-respected team nonetheless.

The UNO Mavericks Men's Ice Hockey Team is a part of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. UNO has only had an NCAA Division I Hockey program since 1997, but the team has made great strides in its 12 years of existence. After their first season, the Mavs ranked second in the nation in total and average attendance, playing for near sell-out crowds every nights. In June of 1998, the school was granted admission to the CCHA and began playing a full conference schedule in 1999-2000. The team will move to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association starting with the 2010-11 season, when Aneloski will join them.

In 2003, the Mavericks ended their six-year run at the Civic Auditorium in Omaha, which held over 8,000 fans, and at which the Mavs sold out 131 consecutive games. Aneloski definitely wont be at a loss for fans to cheer him on, as the Mavericks have since moved on to play in Omaha's Qwest Center, where their fan capacity has increased to over 16,000 - making it the 3rd largest hockey facility in the country.

The last couple seasons have held many firsts for the Mavericks. In March of 2008, the team played the longest game in school history, beating Alaska 2-1 in triple overtime. This game gave the Mavs a 2-1 series win in the playoffs. And, in November, 2008, UNO played and won the first shootout in school history, beating Western Michigan.

RoughRiders Head Coach Mark Carlson states, "I am proud of Bryce and all that he has accomplished with us so far this season - UNO will be lucky to have a player like him who is good, solid, and reliable defensively, but also has the ability to chip in defensively.-

The Riders are 6-2 so far this season, and look forward to a competitive rematch against the Chicago Steel on October 31 st at The Stable. Happy Hour starts at 5:45, and the puck drops at 7PM. For more details on any of the RoughRiders home games, or to purchase tickets, call 319-261-GOAL or visit us online at www.ridertownusa.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from October 27, 2009


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