Justin Graf joins me to discuss his first season with the RoughRiders, his upcoming commitment to Harvard University and more.
The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders are closing in on securing home ice advantage for the upcoming United States Hockey League Playoffs. With two games remaining, the RoughRiders sit second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 35-16-3-6.
One of the big reasons for the club’s success to this point in the season has been the play of forward Justin Graf. Graf recently underwent wrist surgery, which ultimately ended his season, but the 18-year-old forward made his mark in his first season at the USHL level.
Through 52 games this season, Graf recorded 23 goals and 32 assists, good for the team lead in points with 55 among all RoughRiders skaters. During an interview on Monday, Graf spoke about how he enjoyed his first year in the USHL.
“It’s been awesome. It was a huge step up from prep hockey in terms of the game and lifestyle, just being at the rink every day was something I loved,” Graf said. “The fans and the atmosphere in Cedar Rapids was unreal, just getting to play in front of a couple thousand fans every night was special. It was a really great experience for me.”
One of the major factors that helped bring Graf along in year one was the coaching staff in Cedar Rapids. Mark Carlson has been a staple in the RoughRiders organization, serving as both the club’s head coach and general manager since their inaugural season in 1999. Graf spoke about the impact Carlson has had on his continued growth in his hockey career.
“He’s been unreal. He’s been here [Cedar Rapids] for so long, and for good reason; he’s a great coach,” Graf said. “He really pushes you to be better and just cares so much for all his players.”
Graf knew the USHL would be an adjustment, but his 55 points showed he put himself in a position to succeed due to his offseason work. Graf spoke about what allowed him to hit the ground running in Cedar Rapids.
“I knew that the USHL would be an adjustment, so I’d consider it most of the work I put in over the course of the summer,” Graf said. “I knew I had to get faster, stronger, improve my shot and work on all my skills. I think all that summer work really played into my success this season.”
Many hockey fans may have heard the name Graf before, as Justin’s older brother Collin Graf is currently in his third season and first full year at the National Hockey League level with the San Jose Sharks.
“We talk all the time, basically every day, whether it’s about hockey or just anything in life,” Graf said. “I look up to him and have my entire life, so it’s nice for me to get to see what he’s done to get where he is, which has been extremely helpful for me. He watches my games, and I watch his games to talk about little things each of us could do better. Our relationship is really strong.”
Upon completion of Graf’s junior hockey career, the forward will be taking his talents to Harvard University to continue on with the next step in the 18-year-old’s career. Graf, a Massachusetts native, will be returning home, something that meant a lot to the forward when discussing the process of committing to Harvard.
‘It’s such an unreal program with great coaches. There’s a ton of positives, and just going through the process, I realized this is the best spot for me,” Graf said. “I watched a lot of Harvard games growing up, and getting the chance to play in the Beanpot in front of family and friends is really exciting and special for me.”
As for the goals in the young forward’s career, Graf touched on what he hopes to achieve over the next few years.
“I want to be a NHL player without a doubt,” Graf said. “My goal next year is to go to Harvard, become an impact player and help the team win a lot of games. As my college career progresses, I want to continue to grow and improve all parts of my game and get myself in the best position possible to turn professional.”
The RoughRiders are back in action on Friday, April 3, when they host the Youngstown Phantoms. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.