RoughRiders' Hawke Huff Named USHL Defenseman Of The Year Finalist After Breakout Season

The transition from one organization to another, especially mid-season, can be a difficult one for many players, but for Hawke Huff, he really started to find his stride following last year’s trade to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders . After appearing in 35 games with the Sioux Falls Stampede during the 2024-25 season, Hawke was moved to the RoughRiders, where the defenseman would play in 21 games to close out the regular season, registering two goals and four assists, to finish his first season in the United States Hockey League with two goals and eight assists. Flash forward to this season, Huff took an even bigger step, recording three goals and 36 assists across 61 games played.

The 36 assists were good for the team, and his 39 points placed Huff sixth among all RoughRiders skaters this year. Harvard-Bound Justin Graf Stars For Cedar Rapids In USHL Rookie Season Justin Graf joins me to discuss his first season with the RoughRiders, his upcoming commitment to Harvard University and more. During an interview on Wednesday, Huff spoke about the adjustments and learning curves he experienced to help allow him for greater success at the junior hockey level.

“I think a big part of it was when I came to Cedar Rapids, my confidence grew, and I started playing a little better. The opportunities I received helped my confidence rise, especially entering my second season,” Huff said. “I knew I could play at this level, and I knew the things I needed to do to have success.

I just felt more comfortable out there and was able to make more plays. I wasn’t as hard on myself, and the game seemed to come easier to me. ” To further reinforce the strength of the 19-year-old’s 2025-26 campaign, Huff was named one of the three finalists for the USHL Defenseman of the Year award, along with Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Jack Willson and Tri-City Storm defenseman Bode Laylin.