Only four players have had hat tricks in the USHL all-star game. The latest was Ryan Walters of Des Moines. The U of M recruit had three goals on five shots on net and was a plus-5 for Tem Reebok (West) which lost 5-4 in OT to Team CCM (East).

Walters was named the all-star game MVP. He didn't sign with Minnesota last fall, so it's uncertain when he will become a Gopher. Could be 2010-11 if he signs in April, or later if he doesn't.

Four USHL players who did sign with the Gophers in November also played well for the West. Fargo forward Nate Condon had the first goal for the West and was named that team's Player of the Game. Fargo teammate Nate Schmidt, a defenseman, had an assist on that goal.

Omaha forward Seth Ambroz had a game-high six shots on goal for the West while Erik Haula, also a Lancers forward, had three.

Of course, this all-star game was a little different than normal USHL games. Not a single penalty was called.

EX-GOPHER COACH HIGH ON WALTERS

Mike Guentzel, the former Gophers assistant coach for 14 seasons, is in his first year as head coach at Des Moines. He said earlier this season that Walters is learning how to play on both ends of the rink.

"[Ryan] works hard]," Guentzel said. "He is getting a lot of ice time and trying to become more responsible. He is a guy who will not be intimidated at North Dakota or at [Wisconsin's] Kohl Center. His competive juices do not take a step back to anybody."