Roughrider's Bryce Aneloski an offensive surpise

You expected Jeff Costello. You didn't see Bryce Aneloski coming.

Costello leads the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in scoring through the first three weekends of the United States Hockey League season. That's no surprise, considering his talent (an Ottawa Senators draft pick) and 24 goals last year.

What is a surprise is Aneloski being right behind him. The third-year defenseman has three goals and five assists in six games.

For comparison, the 19-year-old from Pekin, Ill., had 12 points in 38 games last season.

“I always knew I could play offensively,” Aneloski said. “I didn't really do it as much my first two years here. But I feel real comfortable on the power play. That's how I get all my points, on the power play. So it's nice to get off to a good start personally.”

Half of Aneloski's eight points (two goals, two assists) have been on the man-up. He's playing well even strength, too, with proof being a plus-six plus-minus rating.

“We expect him to contribute at both ends of the ice,” said Riders Coach Mark Carlson. “To be, first and foremost, good, solid, reliable and dependable defensively ... Then after that, he has the ability to chip in offensively, as he has. That's what's going to make him a real good player.”

Aneloski played the 2007-08 season in Cedar Rapids, then returned after one semester at Providence College last year. He mentioned liking Nebraska-Omaha but is in no hurry to commit to another school, looking for the perfect fit.

“I knew when I came back (last season) that I was going to play here this year, and I was OK with that,” Aneloski said. “I think I rushed out of here my first year. I wish I would have stayed and played two years, then it would have been a different story. But I'm glad to be back. I'm having a great time playing. I love it.

“I'm sitting back and letting (college) take care of itself.”