Feature Story

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Iowa native Gerths thriving in Lincoln

By Jen Morand

One of the things that the USHL has done in its 30 years as a junior league is help grow the game of hockey in America. This was done by exposing people in “non-traditional” areas to the game. There are the traditional hockey hotbeds such as Michigan, Massachusetts and Minnesota, and players from those states, and others, filled the rosters of the teams in Iowa, Nebraska and beyond.

One of the byproducts of this growth is seeing players from these non-traditional areas become regulars on USHL rosters, and further their careers at the college and professional levels. One such player is first-year Lincoln Stars forward David Gerths. Gerths grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, a city on the outskirts of Des Moines, a USHL stronghold for years.

Gerths has come a long way from his hometown.

The 6-foot, 195-pound rookie was named to the Team USA roster for the 2008 World Junior A Challenge that took place in Camrose, Alberta, Canada in November. There, he was one of the team’s top scorers in the event with four goals and seven points. He played for the Team RBK (West Division) in the 2009 USHL Prospects/All-Star game and he’s already made his commitment on where to play in college, as he’ll suit up for CCHA champion Notre Dame. With the vastly improved hockey program and the superior academics, the choice to play for the Irish was an easy one.

“At the time I was supposed to visit a few schools in the summer. But I knew I wanted to go to Notre Dame and when they made the offer, I took it,” Gerths said.

Gerths was also listed in NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings as the 107th highest-ranked skater among all North Americans, meaning he stands a good chance of being selected in the 2009 NHL Draft.

Gerths left home and played prep school hockey at Culver Military Academy in Indiana. While at Culver, he was chosen by the Stars in the ninth round of the 2006 USHL Futures Draft. The transition from playing at Culver to playing in the USHL has had its ups and downs for Gerths.

“When you come to the USHL, hockey takes over your whole life. Everyone is trying to get a college scholarship or a spot in the NHL draft. You really have to bring your ‘A’ game every single night,” Gerths said.

And more often than not this season, Gerths has brought his “A” game. To date, Gerths has scored nine goals and 33 points for the Stars, ranking him fifth on the team, in 45 games.

“He’s tough to play against because his size is deceiving and he’s hard to knock off the puck,” Stars Head Coach Jimmy McGroarty said. “He’s strong with an NHL-type shot that is dangerous in those tough areas.”

Gerths has enjoyed his time in the USHL, playing in Lincoln, home of arguably the most rabid fans in the league.

“Playing in Lincoln has been great. The team gets along well and the fans here are second-to-none in the league. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to play for,” Gerths said.

Gerths has been a big part of the Stars’ run this season. They’ve been atop the USHL West Division from the start of the year and are in the running for the Anderson Cup, a trophy they haven’t won since 2003.

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