RoughRiders not the tallest

Bigger is better? Not for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

“We've got really good speed again, and I like our compete level,” said Coach Mark Carlson, whose team begins the 2009-2010 United States Hockey League season tonight in Des Moines. “We have a number of guys that might not be the tallest, but I wouldn't call them small ... They're strong on the puck, strong in the weight room and can really get around the rink well.”

Winger Eric Robinson wins the award for biggest RoughRider at a listed 6-foot-2, the only guy over 6-foot. But Carlson produces a consistent winner by recruiting quickness and high skill level, and this group appears to have plenty of both.

Cedar Rapids has five returning players: forwards Robinson, Zach Lehrke, Jeff Costello, defenseman Bryce Aneloski and goalie Troy Grosenick.

“Like Coach said, I don't think it means much that your tallest guy is 6-1 1/2,” Robinson said. “Despite the lack of size, we have a lot of fight on our team.”

“We believe you have to skate, get around the rink and make plays to be successful,” Carlson said. “We also have to be tough and compete ... We have a number of guys who are 5-foot-9 or 5-10, but I'm pretty sure they think they're 6-2. And that's good.”