Nick Saracino and Ryan McGrath were both named to the United States Hockey League's Cedar Rapids Roughriders 25-man roster. Both players will play in the USHL Fall Classic Tournament when the team will be cut to 23.
Both players were instrumental in the Jr. Blues run to the Tier III Jr. A National Championship. Says former Head Coach Jack Behan, " Nick and Ryan will be great additions to the Cedar Rapids program. They are getting two of the most skilled, biggest competitors I have ever coached." He continues, "Back in June after Cedar Rapids camp I got some calls from Division I college coaches. Just like in Boston at Nationals, both players impressed them greatly."
"With Nick the coaches were off the charts with compliments. Nick has improved so much in two years. It has been great to watch it happen for such a great young man. Ryan also turned some heads. His competitive fire just stands out every time he hits the ice. From the first time I coached him as a Pee Wee, up until the National Championship game this year, Ryan has always given his best. I'm sure some question his size, but his heart will always make up for it. I am very proud of both players and wish them success as their careers develop. As one coach in Boston described them at the Nationals, 'they are like lightning and thunder.' It's been an honor to coach both the past two years."
