We're getting ready for another USHL season on The Hockey News with a look at some of the key returning players in the Western Conference

The 2024-25 USHL season is right around the corner. To help get you ready, The Hockey News' USHL writer Ryan Sikes is looking at one key returner you need to know on all eight Western Conference teams.

Let's dive in.

Des Moines Buccaneers

Ben Kevan, F (2025)

Kevan headlines a Des Moines squad that narrowly missed the playoffs last season, and he will be expected to build off his promising rookie season. Last year, he led all first-year skaters with 57 points, one more than Waterloo's John Mustard, who was named Rookie of the Year.

The Arizona State commit tallied three points in five games for Team USA at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Kevan figures to be on the top names from the USHL in the 2025 NHL Draft. 

A big year could see finish among the top point-producers in the league as well as significantly increasing his draft stock for NHL clubs looking for a dynamic goal-scorer.

Fargo Force

Reid Daavettila, F

Daavettila was part of Fargo's wildly successful 2023 Phase II Draft class that contributed significantly to the franchise's Clark Cup-winning season.

After scoring 18 points in 59 games in the NAHL the year prior, the Michigan Tech commit tallied an even 15 goals and 15 assists in a secondary role for the Force.

With several names graduating to the college game, Daavettila steps into a leadership role and could see a big jump in his production with more playing time.

Lincoln Stars

Jacob Rombach, D (2025)

At 6-foot-6 and 194 pounds, Jacob Rombach is positioned to be one of the top USHL defensemen in the 2025 NHL Draft. Drawing comparisons to former Lincoln Stars defenseman Adam Kleber (BUF) in terms of size and mobility, Rombach is a can't-miss prospect this year.

With nine points from three goals and six assists in 59 games last year after coming off a strong showing at the Five Nations Tournament, the 17-year-old also represented Team USA at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, contributing two assists in five games.

Despite a modest 5.6% shooting accuracy last year, Rombach's year of USHL experience suggests a significant uptick in production for the upcoming season, which bodes well for both Rombach and the Lincoln Stars.

Omaha Lancers

Mikhail Yegorov, G (NJD)

Yegorov and Kam Hendrickson should form one of the better goaltending duos in the USHL this season. 

Yegorov became the apparent No. 1 for the Lancers last season and played much better than his numbers would indicate: 3.86 GAA and 0.892 save percentage with one shutout in 43 appearances. 

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 187 pounds, the Devils' second-round pick in this year's draft takes up quite a bit of space in net.

Sioux City Musketeers

Tate Pritchard, F 

Pritchard took advantage of an early-season trade from Waterloo to Sioux City and turned that into a 29-point campaign, broken down into 13 goals and 16 assists while skating in 57 games. 

The Minnesota State commit got better and better as the season unfolded, and he recorded 17 of his points in the second half. 

Pritchard feels like a player who can both have a big year for the Muskies and be drafted as a re-entry candidate in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Sioux Falls Stampede

John McNelis, F

McNelis needed a little bit of time to adjust to the USHL, but he was so good for the Herd in the second half of the season. 

The BU commit recorded 18 goals on 125 shots and 38 points overall, with 23 of his points coming after the holiday break. 

McNelis could be in for a big year thanks to a full year of experience, paired with the graduation of players from last year's roster.

Tri-City Storm

Thatcher Bernstein, G

Tri-City acquired Thatcher Bernstein in late January last year to develop him to be the No. 1 goaltender for the future. 

Well, the future is now, with Cameron Korpi moving on to the NCAA. Bernstein registered a 4.02 GAA and .848 save percentage in 17 games for the Storm last year, getting some much-needed development.

Waterloo Black Hawks

Grady Deering, F

The Black Hawks are losing many of their top scorers from last season, which offers Grady Deering a natural path to playing big minutes this season. 

The Wisconsin commit engineered a solid first year in the USHL, recording 35 points on 15 goals and 20 assists in 57 games. 

Deering finished the regular season on a four-game point streak, with 22 points coming in the second half.