General | 11/5/2025 2:13:21 PM

Looking at the top matchups in the USHL for games Nov. 7-9
 

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Youngstown Phantoms

It’s a matchup of conference heavyweights this weekend as the Sioux Falls Stampede square off against the Youngstown Phantoms. The Herd rolls into the series atop the Western Conference standings, boasting a 9-4-1-0 record and the conference’s best power play at 25.0%. Sioux Falls has picked up points in eight of their last ten games, powered by consistent offensive production from Detroit Red Wings prospect Brent Solomon. One of the USHL’s most dynamic playmakers, Solomon enters the weekend tied for the league lead with 18 points and has found the scoresheet in six of his last seven contests.

On the other side, Youngstown sits just three points out of first place in the Eastern Conference. The Phantoms have gone 5-5-0-0 over their last ten games. Three Youngstown skaters rank among the USHL’s top ten scorers, including Boston Bruins draft pick Cooper Simpson, who has matched Solomon’s 18 points while netting nine goals on the year. Simpson has just one goal in his last five games. Look for him to get going again this weekend.

Des Moines Buccaneers vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks

Des Moines has been a pleasant surprise in the Western Conference so far. The Bucs sit third in the standings with a 6-3-2-3 record and have earned points in nine of their last ten games. Ryland Randle has been a big contributor since coming over in a preseason trade. The Arizona State commit is tied for second among USHL defensemen with 10 points.

Meanwhile, Muskegon finds itself in a familiar place: atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Lumberjacks have been rolling heading into the weekend, collecting points in eight of their last ten games, a stretch that also includes a four-game winning streak. Melvin Novotny is off to a strong start in his first USHL season. The Buffalo Sabres draft pick has tallied seven goals and 15 points and enters the weekend riding a six-game point streak.

Dubuque Fighting Saints vs. Sioux City Musketeers

Dubuque has picked up right where it left off last season. The Fighting Saints sit second in the Eastern Conference standings, just two points out of the top spot. Dubuque’s offense has been difficult for opponents to match, leading the league with 68 goals scored. Masun Fleece has been a major factor in that success. The Penn State commit has recorded 17 points in 13 games and recently saw his nine-game point streak come to an end. He’ll look to start a new one this weekend.

Sioux City is still looking to find its footing, but the Musketeers have won two straight games and scored a combined nine goals in those outings. They currently occupy fifth place in the Western Conference standings, with two games in hand on Tri-City, which sits three points ahead. William Tomko has been on fire of late. The Penn State commit is riding a four-game point streak and has posted multi-point efforts in three of those contests.

Fargo Force vs. Lincoln Stars

Fargo has gotten off to a strong start this season. The Force sit just two points out of first place in the Western Conference standings and have posted a 6-3-0-1 record over their last ten games. Graham Jones has been a steady presence in the early stages of the season. The Boston College commit has tallied five goals and eight points through 12 games, while recording points in three of his last four outings.

Meanwhile, Lincoln’s stock is on the rise after a challenging opening stretch. The Stars currently hold sixth place in the Western Conference standings, having collected points in six of their last ten games. Alex Pelletier has been a goal-scoring machine, leading all USHL skaters in goals (13), and tying the league lead in points (18) while registering a league-high 62 shots on goal.