RoughRiders win last game without big 4

CEDAR RAPIDS - Ross Colton played his last game with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders until after the holidays Saturday night.

He's one of four Riders leaving Tuesday to play for a team representing the United States at the two-week-long World Junior ‘A' Challenge international tournament in Canada. If the 19-year-old New Jersey forward plays for his country the way he has been playing for Cedar Rapids, expect a gold medal to come his and his team's way.

'It'll be a great experience,” Colton said Saturday night, before the RoughRiders' 3-1 win over Green Bay at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. 'I'm confident these guys will do well when we're gone. I'm looking forward to representing my country. It'll be a good time.”

Colton will be joined by teammates Cal Burke, Mitch Reinke and Jack Ahcan in Canada. That's all three Riders captains and their top-scoring defenseman.

They'll miss Cedar Rapids' next four games, returning for a Dec. 30 home game against Bloomington. Speaking of top scoring, Colton came into Saturday tied for the United States Hockey League scoring lead.

He had 25 points on 12 goals and 13 assists, knotted with Parker Tuomie of Sioux Falls despite playing three less games (20 to 23). Colton's goal total is second only to Tuomie's 16, while his shots on goal total of 74 ranked fourth.

Keep in mind, the forward had 18 goals and 33 points all last season with Cedar Rapids (in 58 games). Barring injury, he will obliterate those totals.

'I don't even know (my numbers), to be honest with you,” he said. 'I don't really look at that stuff. I just worry about getting two (standings) points every night. I don't care about stats, as long as we get the win.”

A second USHL season has been a boon to many a player over the years, and Colton certainly is no exception. The University of Vermont commit is bigger, faster and stronger.

He's also getting more minutes on the ice and more important minutes.

'I'm playing a different role this year,” he said. 'I'm a leader on this team. Being a go-to guy at my position, all that gives you more confidence. Definitely my confidence level has been a lot higher this year. No doubt.”

He has formed great chemistry with Hugh McGing and John Snodgrass on what has become the RoughRiders' top and most productive line.

'My linemates, John and Hugh, have just been getting me the puck,” he said. 'I'm just trying to get open because I know they're both great players and will get me the puck in scoring areas. I'm doing my best to find them, and, when they find me, I'm trying to finish.”

Cedar Rapids extended its win streak to six-straight games. It is in first place in the USHL's Eastern Conference, four standings points up on second-place Green Bay. The RoughRiders host Chicago and Omaha next weekend.

Riese Zmolek had the go-ahead goal with 4:32 left. Matt Filipe added an empty netter with 20 seconds to go for the final margin. Cal Burke had C.R.'s other goal. Ben Blacker made 23 saves for the win in net, making his 14th consecutive start.

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