Tyler Jubenvill wrapped up his first season playing in the United States Hockey League (USHL) on April 13th, as a part of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.
This past season was Tyler's one and only season as a part of the RoughRiders, and it was quite the successful one.
"It was a good year," said Jubenvill. "We didn't get the result we wanted by missing the playoffs, but it was a fun year. I met a lot of new friends, and I think I got a lot better this year."
Despite the five-game winning streak to end the season, Tyler and the RoughRiders finished with a 26-24-8-2 record and missed the playoffs by a single point.
The 18-year-old from Gilbert Plains played 56 of the team's 58 games this season and was second among the team's blueliners in scoring. He had 18 points (5 G, 13A).
Thanks to his contributions, he was named to the USHL All-Star Rookie First Team on May 1st.
"It definitely came as a surprise," said Jubenvill. "I saw it on Twitter, and it was cool to see. Obviously, the goal was to win more games, but it was a nice feeling to get recognized for my individual play."
"I was always given the green light to try and make a play and produce offence," he added. "That helped a lot, and I had some great teammates who made it easy for me."
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On April 11th, Tyler signed his official letter of intent to play for Bemidji State University, in which he'll be suiting up for the Beavers next fall.
"I checked it out a couple years ago when I committed to play there, and it looked like a great place to play and live," said Jubenvill. "The coaching staff is also great. It was a pretty easy decision, and I'm super excited to start things up there playing NCAA Division 1 hockey."
Playing for the Beavers isn't a fluke for the Gilbert Plains native. He received a four-year full ride scholarship.
"It'll be nice to get my school paid for, and it obviously shows that they want me there," he said. "It's always ideal to go to a place where you're wanted, so it should be fun."
Playing NCAA Division 1 will give Tyler the chance to play against some of the best college players in America, and he's pumped up about it.
"It's going to be a big jump for sure," said Jubenvill. "It's a lot faster out there, and there's a lot more skill."
"But I'm just going to have a good summer, and I'll be ready for it,"
The Beavers play in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
