RoughRiders\' Lovdahl Bound for Alaska-Anchorage
December 29, 2004 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders News Release
Cedar Rapids, Iowa- Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman Shane Lovdahl has committed to the University of Alaska-Anchorage, the RoughRiders announced today.
Lovdahl, an Anchorage native, will begin his college career next season.
"Shane has worked very hard and made great improvements since arriving here and has become an impact player at both ends of the ice for us," said RoughRiders coach and general manager Mark Carlson. "So it's very exciting to see him get a chance to go back home to play college hockey."
Lovdahl has evolved into one of the top defenseman in the United States Hockey League in this, his third season with the Riders. The 20-year old has played in each of the Riders' first 26 games this season and is currently tied for second among USHL defensemen in points (17), tied for third in goals (6) and tied for ninth in assists (11). Among all players, Lovdahl is tied for third in power play goals (+6) and tied for fifth in plus/minus rating (+15).
Lovdahl has played a total of 137 games over the course of his Rider career, sixth most in team history. He has scored 19 goals and rung up 52 points in two and a half seasons in Cedar Rapids. Last season Lovdahl led all USHL defenseman in goals and set a new team single season record for most goals by a blue liner as he scored 11 times and accumulated 28 points while playing in all 60 games. Lovdahl made his Cedar Rapids debut on September 28, 2002 in a 4-1 season opening win over the River City Lancers. He went on to notch two goals and seven points while playing in 51 games in his first USHL campaign.
Alaska-Anchorage has gone 6-9-1 overall this season. Coach John Hill's Seawolves are tied for eighth in place in the rugged Western Collegiate Hockey Association with a 4-8 conference record.
Lovdahl joins Justin Abdelkader (Michigan State), Phil Axtell (Michigan Tech), Greg Collins (New Hampshire), Ray Eichenlaub (Miami of Ohio), Alec Martinez (Miami of Ohio), Ted Purcell (Maine), Gary Steffes (Miami of Ohio) and Matt Vokes (Brown) as the ninth member of the 2004-05 RoughRiders to make a college commitment.
Lovdahl and the league-leading RoughRiders (20-3-3, 43 points) return to action tomorrow night at 7:05 when they host the Chicago Steel. The Riders have gone unbeaten in regulation (13-0-2) in their last 15 games to set a new club record. The Riders have won their last four games in a row.
After tomorrow night's game, fans can join the RoughRiders in celebrating the New Year early with a fireworks display outside the ice arena. Tomorrow evening is also a "Skate with the Players Night" as fans will have a chance to lace up their skates and join the RoughRiders on the ice after the game. Skate rental will be available.
Tickets for RoughRider home games are now on sale at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena ticket office. Tickets can be purchased over the phone at (319) 261-4625 or in person at the ice arena. The ticket office is open from noon to 5:00PM on weekdays and from noon through the end of the second period on game days. Ticket prices range from $8.00 to $17.00 including a 50-cent facility fee.
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...
United States Hockey League Stories from December 29, 2004
- RoughRiders Welcome New Year with Special Events - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
- RoughRiders' Lovdahl Bound for Alaska-Anchorage - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
