The Eastern Conference of the United States Hockey League [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl] is not for the faint of heart. The league's top 4 teams early in the new year all reside on the same side of the standings. On the outside looking in are the Chicago Steel (12-14-5). In a tight race to make the Clark Cup Playoffs, Chicago will be looking for a boost as Washington Capitals [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals] prospect Jackson Crowder [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/latest-news/capitals-round-out-2025-nhl-draft-class-with-crowder-dahlqvist] recently returned to the lineup. Analyzing Washington's Playoff Outlook Crowder, the Allen, Texas native, is in his third season in the USHL and second with Chicago. After spending several years in the Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars] development program, Crowder was selected by the Sioux City Musketeers [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl/players/northeastern-commit-leading-the-way-for-sioux-city] in the 2023 USHL draft. He went on to put up 10 points in 35 appearances with the Muskies. In January 2025, Crowder was traded to Chicago and put up 14 points in 25 games to finish out the 2024-25 campaign. A shot-first forward, Crowder is third on the team in total shots despite playing 13 fewer games than many of his teammates. Through 18 contests this year, he has 4 goals and 12 assists for an impressive 0.89 points per game mark. Crowder’s aggressive nature and ability to dish the puck to his teammates will bolster a Chicago offense sitting 10th in the USHL. Crowder also earned the honor of being named to Team USA for the 2025 World Junior A Challenge where he played in all 5 games and helped the Americans bring home a gold medal. He was away from the Steel for 6 weeks leading up to the competition. If he can continue to develop his game in Chicago, Crowder has a bright hockey future ahead of him. In last year’s draft, the Washington Capitals selected Crowder in the 5th round. The Capitals have been building one of the NHL’s best farm systems, creating a competitive environment for new prospects to join. Before Crowder enters Washington’s system, he’ll play for the Big Ten’s Ohio State Buckeyes [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa/latest-news/2025-26-preview-ohio-state]. Like his Chicago club, he’ll be looking to spark a Buckeyes team near the bottom of the conference. He'll be joined in Columbus by Youngstown Phantoms forward Ryan Rucinski. Buffalo Sabres Prospect Near Top Of Scoring Race [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/83e5b23a-6b30-43cc-b9e1-4fcfacd25629.jpeg] Buffalo Sabres Prospect Near Top Of Scoring Race Youngstown Forward And Ohio State Commit Sitting Top Five In USHL Points [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl/players/buffalo-sabres-prospect-near-top-of-scoring-race] Crowder and Chicago have an opportunity to pick up momentum this month despite a 2-4-4 showing in their last 10. They visit Sioux City for a pair (4th in the Western Conference), then host Cedar Rapids (5th in the Eastern Conference), followed by 4 in a row against Madison, directly above them in the standings. Stay tuned to The Hockey News for the latest prospect spotlights.
