Dan Falloon
The United States Hockey League probably would look a lot different without Fort Frances native Gino Gasparini.
When Gasparini took over as commissioner in 1995, the USHL was an eight-team circuit with low attendance numbers.
Now, the highest-tiered junior league in the U.S. is up to 14 teams and Gasparini noted average attendance has been close to 3,000 fans per game, with some teams pushing into the 4,000 range.
“In my 14 years as commissioner and president, the biggest thrill has just been watching the league grow,” enthused Gasparini, who stepped down as commissioner in February, 2008 into the executive vice-president role, which he sees as a transition into retirement.
The USHL, which Gasparini called the “premier developmental league in America,” is set to add the Dubuque Fighting Saints for the 2010-11 season as the league just keeps growing.
For his efforts, Gasparini was honoured at the 2010 USHL all-star game in Indianapolis last week, with the league renaming its Distinguished Service Award as the Gino Gasparini Award.
“I’m very proud and very grateful,” said Gasparini. “This was quite an honour.”
It was one that came a day late as Gasparini didn’t make it to Indianapolis in time for Monday night’s banquet. So the ceremony was held prior to Tuesday night’s game instead.
The timing of the presentation didn’t matter to Gasparini, though, as he thought he just was attending the all-star festivities as a league rep.
“It came as quite a shock. I had no idea,” he beamed.
While watching the league grow provided his proudest moments, making it happen was his biggest challenge as commissioner since the benefits to owners were not tangible right away.
“Early on, it was hard for people to visualize the big picture,” he conceded. “It’s difficult when you don’t have those returns early.”
Gasparini’s tenure also saw the league promoted to Tier I status by USA Hockey in 2002, and right now stands as America’s only Tier I developmental league.
The USHL lists 112 alumni who are signed to NHL contracts, including regulars Thomas Vanek, Ryan Malone, Erik Cole, and Paul Stastny, who all played in the league during Gasparini’s time at the helm.
But Gasparini stressed launching players into a professional career isn’t the league’s only goal, proudly citing those players who advance to the college ranks.
Nearly 200 players in the league have committed to a school with an NCAA Division I program when their USHL career ends.
“The USHL has a twofold goal,” said Gasparini. “We want to develop players that are college-bound, and prepare them beyond their college days.
“It’s the best of two worlds, and not just hockey-oriented.”
And to recognize the educational aspect, the USHL has given out a Scholar-Athlete Award for the past two seasons.
Gasparini’s commitment to college hockey follows what came earlier in his hockey career. Prior to his USHL involvement, Gasparini was synonymous with hockey at the University of North Dakota.
As the team’s head coach, he led the Fighting Sioux to three NCAA titles, winning the championship in 1980, 1982, and 1987.
He also served as the university’s athletic director from 1985-90.
Gasparini played his college hockey at UND, and rejoined the team as a graduate assistant coach shortly after trying out for the expansion L.A. Kings back in 1967.
The Kings had wanted to send him to the East Coast Hockey League, but Gasparini went to work in London, Ont. until he got the call to come back to the Fighting Sioux.
He was named head coach in 1978, continuing through to 1994, when International Falls native Dean Blais took over the program at UND.
