In what comes as a surprise to absolutely no one, Sioux Falls Stampede rookie Kieffer Bellows has been named the USHL Rookie of the Year.
The son of longtime NHL great Brian Bellows, Kieffer set a league rookie record with 33 goals and totaled 52 points in 58 games to clinch second on the team in regular season point scoring. No other rookie has scored more goals in the USHL's Tier-1 era (2002-present), no doubt a considerable achievement. The youngster had three hat tricks and six multi-goal games on the campaign, and added nine more goals and 11 points in 12 postseason games. The last of his four playoff game-winning goals clinched the league championship for the Herd and tied the league record for the most game-winning goals in the playoffs.
Bellows is a big cornerstone piece for the Stampede in their defense of the league title next season. He burst onto the scene in a big way this past campaign and is sure to come out with a bang in his draft season. A Minnesota High School state champion, Bellows seems to win everywhere he goes, and will look to bring that winning attitude when he returns to the Herd this fall, then Boston University in 2016-17 and, finally, the NHL upon the conclusion of his collegiate career.
The Edina, MN native joins Sioux Falls alum Matthew Ford and Jack Connolly as USHL ROTY winners. He was also named to the league's All-Rookie First Team.
Fans can expect big things from Kieffer Bellows. This kid is going places, and it's time for Stampede fans to sit back and continue to enjoy the ride as far as it goes.
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