University of Minnesota Athletics
Ballard and Vanek Named to USHL's 25th Anniversary Team
2/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Ballard left his mark on the USHL in 2000-01 with a brilliant 51-point campaign. Then a member of the Omaha Lancers, Ballard quarterbacked the power play and anchored a stellar defense corps that also featured current Golden Gopher Chris Harrington. His impact was profound as the Lancers claimed their first Gold Cup in team history. Ballard was selected First Team All-USHL for his considerable efforts.
The youngest and most contemporary member of the USHL's 25th Anniversary Team, Vanek came to the USHL and Sioux Falls in 1999 as a 15-year-old. In his rookie campaign, Vanek notched 15 goals and 18 assists in 35 games with the Stampede. He was limited by injuries to just 20 regular-season games the next season but still managed 29 points. He shined brightest in the playoffs, posting five goals and four assists in nine games. In 2001-02, Vanek posted a league-leading 46 goals and 91 points in 53 games. His 91-point outburst was the highest total registered in the USHL since Peter Sejna's 94 points in 1999-00. For his efforts, Vanek was selected First Team All-USHL.
The USHL's 25th Anniversary Team, consisting of two goaltenders, four defensemen and eight forwards was selected by a panel of the league's most experienced coaches, scouts, officials and media members. Fans and supporters of the USHL were allowed to select one member of the team by ballot on www.ushl.com.
The United States Hockey League, governed by USA Hockey, is the only Tier I junior league in the country. To compete, players must be 20 years-old or under before the season begins.
USHL 25th Anniversary Team
Goaltender - Bob Mason, Green Bay Bobcats
Goaltender - Dan Ellis, Omaha Lancers
Defenseman - Gary Suter, Dubuque Fighting Saints
Defenseman - Brian Rafalski, Madison Capitols
Defenseman - Keith Ballard, Omaha Lancers
Defenseman - Scott Swanson, Omaha Lancers
Forward - Greg Johnson, Thunder Bay Flyers
Forward - Jason Blake, Waterloo Black Hawks
Forward - Peter Sejna, Des Moines Buccaneers
Forward - Peter Ferraro, Waterloo Black Hawks/Dubuque Fighting Saints
Forward - Chris Ferraro, Waterloo Black Hawks/Dubuque Fighting Saints
Forward - Tim Ferguson, Sioux City Musketeers
Forward - Thomas Vanek, Sioux Falls Stampede
Forward - Rod Taylor, Waterloo Black Hawks/Sioux City Musketeers
