Decatur Blaze Partnership with USPHL Elite Teams 'a pleasure'

The Nation's Premier Hockey League

Decatur Blaze Partnership with USPHL Elite Teams 'a pleasure'

By Matt Mackinder, 11/21/16, 1:45PM EST

DECATUR, Ill. – When the Decatur Blaze formed a collaborative partnership in the offseason with three USPHL Elite teams, the goal was simple – work together to give Blaze players a chance to advance the hockey ladder.

So far, so good.

The three teams – Dells Ducks, Wisconsin Riverkings and Chicago Cougars – are all owned by John Schwarz, who said he has been impressed by the partnership thus far with the Blaze, a member of the USPHL’s USP3 division.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the Decatur Blaze and providing the best opportunities for the players,” said Schwarz. “The players that Decatur has moved up to Elite to play games have fit very well and their work ethic on the ice has been tremendous. (Decatur coach-GM) Zac Pearson has done a phenomenal job with his players.”

Since the start of the 2016-17 season, the Blaze has seen goalie Adam Lindeman called up to the Ducks and forwards T.J. Dougan and Blaze captain Luka Znidarsic see time with Chicago.

“This partnership is certainly working well for both sides,” said Pearson. “I look forward to it continuing and growing in the immediate future.”

Also recently, forwards Rafferty Chaney and Jacob Lembke and defenseman Cody Wilson were called up to the USPHL Elite’s Blaine Energy,

“We just saw three players get moved up to an Elite team for the Boston Showcase a week ago,” noted Schwarz. “This gave those Decatur players an opportunity to play Elite teams from the East and South and to be seen in the East. We envision more call ups moving forward into the last months of play.”

Schwarz also said that the Blaze franchise has added to the growth and prestige of the USPHL.

“Decatur joined two years ago and having them join from the MWJHL has been a great migration,” said Schwarz. “This year, Coach Pearson and Decatur have proven they can be looked at to make the jump to Elite next year. In their second year in the league, they have proven to be one of the best teams in the USPHL Midwest and the location of Decatur and the community have been tremendous.”

Watching the smooth operation in Decatur has also opened Schwarz’s eyes.

“I’ve watched Coach Pearson over the past three years and each year the teams he has are stronger and stronger,” Schwarz said. “This year’s roster has a great mixture of players and as seen so far, they play hard hockey and can win every night. Coach Pearson has to wear several hats versus other coaches and he does all the day to day operations, marketing, etcetera, in addition to just coaching.

“Coach Pearson works very hard for his players and gives them the best value and opportunities and he is an honor to have in the USPHL.”

This weekend, the Blaze host the Alpena Flyers for three at the Decatur Civic Center – Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:45 p.m.