Hjelle loving his second time around town

CEDAR RAPIDS - Brady Hjelle absolutely refuses to play the "what if" game.

What if the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders goaltender had stuck around town to play another year in the United States Hockey League instead of taking off for college after the 2007-08 season? What if he had committed to a school other than Minnesota-Duluth?

Hjelle won't go either place. What's done is done.

"Everything happens for a reason. I'm a believer in that," Hjelle said, while riding an exercise bike after Monday's practice and weight-training session. "I don't look at the past, only at that next game. Just go from there."

Peanut Butter Hjelle Time redux in Cedar Rapids has been a smashing success. Going into the Riders' final two games before the Christmas break, the 20-year-old from International Falls, Minn., is all over the USHL's goalie leader board.

He's first in wins (14), second in shutouts (2) and save percentage (. 928) and third in goals against average (1.97). His 14-2-1 record borders on outrageous (in a good way).

It's frankly what was expected from a guy with two seasons of college hockey under his belt. Hjelle played 27 games at UMD before deciding to transfer.

Recently committed to Ohio State, Hjelle is spending his red-shirt season back in junior hockey.

"I think it's more based on ability," RoughRiders Coach Mark Carlson said, when asked if Hjelle should be putting up the numbers he is, considering his experience. "Obviously he's older now and more mature. He's a real leader on our team."

"We have a really good team, so it's been a lot of fun, so far," Hjelle said. "I didn't know too much about the team. All I really knew was that they had a really good second half last year, and that there was going to be a good core back. So far, we've done pretty well, but we can still do a lot better."

As with any good goaltender, he's quick to point out the help he has gotten from his teammates.

"It's a team effort," Hjelle said. "I've had some bad games that we've still ended up winning because we've scored a lot and had good defense. It's gone well, but like I said, we can all improve. That's what the second half is for."

The second half for Hjelle should include a lot more minutes. Cody Campbell left the club last week for Niagara University, and Carlson is looking for a replacement from lower levels of junior hockey.

"It's fun to get in there as much as possible," Hjelle said. "That's what I was looking to do. It's all worked out, so far."