The annual United States Rink Bandy League (USRBL) All Star game has become a much anticipated event if not THE event of the USA summer bandy season, primarily due to the high level of talent assembled for this match which not only includes several professional hockey players but also the top bandy players in the USA. For this years’ match, the same format that was used in the last two years was used which has the most recent USA National team playing against the USRBL All Stars. This years All Stars were a select group of players from each team in the league which included Nate Condon, Jamie McBain and Steve Strampe who at the halfway point of the season were the league’s top three scorers. Team USA’ roster included America’s top bandy players including USA captain Mike Carman, Swedish bandy pro Daren Richardson, plus veterans Mike Lickteig, Greg Olson, Andrew Knutson and Scott Arundel.

Any doubts as to whether the All Star team would be able to compete against the experienced USA Bandy Team fresh off a successful world championship in February were quickly discarded when the All Stars started the game with Jack Hillen and Jamie McBain on the backline, the USRBL’s two dynamic NHL defensemen. Both quickly displayed why they were able to play several years in “The Show”, dominating the first shift and helping the All Stars jump out to a quick lead before Team USA knew what hit them. The hard attacking All Stars were relentless, rolling up a 9-2 lead at half, led by Nate Condon, Hillen and McBain who each had two goals.

Team USA finally got it going in the second half when David Martinson, Mike Carman and Mike Lickteig scored three straight goals past All Star keeper Anders Jecha, However, the rally was short lived as the All Stars kept counter attacking and scoring, keeping their big lead. The closest Team USA was ever to get was 11-6. The highly motivated All Stars never let up and won the game 15-10. Nate Condon and Jack Hillen had four goals each and Jamie McBain chipped in three to lead the All Stars scoring punch. Mike Lickteig had the hat trick for Team USA in a strong performance.

For his dominating performance at both ends of the rink, Jack Hillen of the All Stars was named match MVP and took home the traditional crystal prize awarded the match player each year. Greg Olson was named best Team USA player. Hillen and McBain were also acknowledged by All Star game director Chris Halden for their long time contribution to USA Bandy. Both are highly respected professional athletes who choose to play summer bandy for the last 8 years between NHL seasons, which gave the league the credibility it needed to attract the world class talent which the league exhibits today.

USRBL ALL STARS ROSTER

Anders Jecha – Washburn Dynamo

Jack Hillen – Sirius

Jamie McBain- Spanky’s

Steve Strampe - Mojo

Dane Erickson- Washburn Dynamo

Brandon Polich – Sirius

Nate Condon – Flying Sparrows

John Arundel – Flying Sparrows

Steve Nelson – Edina Yaks

Coaches: Chris Middlebrook/Steve Arundel

TEAM USA ROSTER

Gavin Anchuta

Greg Olson

Mike Carman

Scott Arundel

Andrew Knutson

Mac Williams

David Martinson

Mike Lickteig

Daren Richardson

Wyatt Wenzel

Dave Plaunt

Coach: Chris Halden

Referees: Tim Roth/Kevin Bowen