Feature Story

Hall leading USHL’s return to state of Ohio

 

By Jon Garver

 

The Ohio Junior Blue Jackets have had a short history in the USHL. The team came into the league a year ago, a reincarnation of the former Thunder Bay Flyers, a powerhouse team that dominated the USHL in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s en route to winning Anderson Cups (3), Clark Cups (2), a Centennial Cup (which goes to the Tier II champion in Canada) and other honors. When the team ceased operations after the 1999-00 season, many wondered if it would resurface.

It has, in “The Buckeye State,” as the USHL’s first member in the state of Ohio. With a roster comprised of many players of the NAHL’s former Cleveland Barons, the transition to the USHL was anything but smooth. In a campaign where they won only 13 games, the Junior Blue Jackets set a franchise record with a 22-game losing streak and were swept in the first round of the Clark Cup playoffs by Cedar Rapids.

One thing, however, that has been a consistent bright spot has been the play of Tim Hall. The Sewickly, Pa., native was the Junior Blue Jackets leading scorer a year ago (17-14--31 in 56 games), and one of their best players in what amounted to a rough first year. In this, his second season in the league, the diminutive Hall only has one goal but is still providing the consistent effort and leadership the Junior Blue Jackets need.

“This year has been a lot different (than last year),” Hall said. “The team is down in Columbus full time which makes it a lot better. The team also has a better attitude because of the tough season we went through last year.”

Last season, the team played its games in Columbus but was headquartered in Cleveland, meaning they had to practice in Cleveland during the week and then bus to Columbus for practices and games. This season, the team is operating full time in Columbus. Part of the deal there is that the junior team gets to play its games and share amenities in the home of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.

“It’s great to be using NHL facilities and be around professionals all the time,” Hall said.

The full time arrival of the Junior Blue Jackets in Columbus only adds to what is a burgeoning hockey market that also houses the NHL and the NCAA (Ohio State University). It is the only market in the United States that is the home of the NHL, the NCAA and the USHL.

Next season, Hall will take his skills to the WCHA and Colorado Springs, where he will be a freshman at Colorado College. The college selection was an easy one for Hall.

“It was a perfect fit for me when I visited there,” Hall said. “Their style of play, the history of the program, the academics, and the character of all the people in ‘CC’ hockey made me want to go there.”

Colorado College is coached by former Madison and Des Moines coach Scott Owens.

And even though he’s been a part of a team experiencing growing pains in the USHL, Hall appreciates his experience in the USHL.

“It has been a great experience. The games are incredible. It’s a battle every night and that makes it really fun,” Hall said.

 

 

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