McCoshen excited to be ranked among USHL elite

Ian McCoshen is in his third season with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League. The 6-foot-2.5, 207-pound defenseman, rated No. 2 on NHL Central Scouting's preliminary list of skaters from the USHL, has produced one goal, five points and a plus-15 rating in 13 games this season. McCoshen has agreed to take the time and maintain a blog for NHL.com all season long leading up to the 2013 NHL Draft.

Hi everyone:

It feels great to be back playing with the guys again. We have not been having the same success as we did the beginning of the year, and that has been challenging. We know as a group that it takes a complete buy-in from every guy in order for our team to be successful once again.

Being at the top of our division is a good feeling. But we have to realize that we cannot take any days off and that the other teams want our spot. In the USHL Western Conference right now, only seven points separate the leader from the team in seventh place.

It is a privilege to be recognized as the number-two skater among USHL players being considered for the 2013 NHL Draft. But you always want to be the best among the other players in this league, and that creates great competition.

With Christmas a little more than a week away, I am able to go home for only a couple days. We can go home Dec. 23 until Dec. 26. It is going to be a short but needed break. I am excited to see my parents and spend Christmas with my younger sisters.

Follow Ian McCoshen on Twitter at: @ijmccoshen3