Former Jr. Blues forward, Trey Dodd, has been selected in the 3rd round (46th Overall) by the Fargo Force of the USHL. The USHL draft is divided into 2 Phases. Phase I serves as a "Futures Draft" for USHL teams. Many, but not all, of those players will play for their current team in 2014-15. Phase II,is open to players of all ages eligible to play junior hockey and are not currently protected by another USHL team.
Dodd's path to the USHL is not uncommon for St. Louis players. He chose to play Tier III for the Jr. Blues because, "I felt that my style of play was not a 100% skill game, more of skill game with a physical component." Playing in the NA3HL gave Dodd, who still had midget eligibility, the opportunity to play against older, more physical players where time and space were more limited and playing in tight spaces was more important. Head Coach Chris Flaugher said, "That's the benefit of our team in this league, with a younger roster playing older players they learn how to play with less time in a more physical setting."
Dodd continued, "J.P. [(Beilsten) former Jr. Blues Head Coach] always gave me his honest opinion of his team, the AAA program, me as a player, and even himself as a coach. What really sealed the deal was knowing that I could compete as a sophomore in high school against 20 year old men and still stand out. It made my transition to Tier II much easier."
Trey gives much of the credit to the Austin Bruins of the Tier II NAHL. "Playing in the NAHL has been great! The atmosphere in Austin, MN is unmatched in any division. Playing away from home, it really introduced me to the junior hockey lifestyle and the commitment it takes to play at the next level." Despite his experience at Tier III and Tier II, Dodd still has his sights set on the USHL. He says, "I believe that I have a great chance at making Fargo, but it's definitely going to take a lot of har work! But, in the end, I know that it will all work out and I'll be happy wherever I end up!"