Monday, March 14, 2005

Lerg named February's best

The United States Hockey League, in conjunction with Goalies' World Magazine, announced that Omaha Lancers goaltender Jeff Lerg (Livonia) was named Itech-Goalies' World Magazine/ USHL Goaltender of the Month for February 2005.

The 5-foot-6 150-pound goaltender has been among league leaders in all goaltending statistics throughout the season. February of 2005 will mark the second time this season that Lerg has been named Goalie of the Month, he was awarded the honor in November of 2004.

Through 52 games played by the Lancers, Lerg has manned the station been between the pipes 45 times. In 45 games played, he has a league leading 31 victories including 5 in which were shut-outs.

Two seasons in the USHL has provided an environment for the 19-year-old to develop his skills on the ice and mature off the ice as well. He feels that the transition from high school to the USHL will definitely help him as he continues onto the NCAA Division 1 ranks. Jeff will be heading back to his home state of Michigan where he will play his college hockey for the Spartans of Michigan State University.

When asked how the USHL has helped prepare him for the next level of play, Lerg said, "Playing in the USHL for the last two years has definitely helped me as far as moving on into Division 1 hockey. Every team in this league has quality players and anyone can beat anyone on any given night, much like Division 1 hockey".

With the help of Lerg, the Lancers have clinched a spot in the play-offs and are battling for the Anderson Cup, which is awarded to the team with the best regular season record.

In the Goalies' World Magazine scoring system, Lerg accumulated 102.9 points to top the list that includes: Chicago's Shane Connelly (102.88), Cedar Rapids' Dan Tormey (102.27), Sioux City's Jimmy Spratt (101.89), and Lincoln's Steve Jakiel (101.68).

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