returning for hartzell's third season were veteran forwards nick dineen, david grun, jake hansen, robbie vrolyk and newcomer jack connolly, the seventh overall pick of the 2007 ushl entry draft. finding similar success in previous seasons, hartzell employed another goaltender tandem composed of his son, eric hartzell, and veteran max strang. the team finished the season 35–19–6, earning a third consecutive playoff berth, while hartzell set a franchise-high five shutouts in the regular season. after sweeping the lincoln stars in the first round the previous season, the stars returned the favor and shutout sioux falls 3–0. first-year forward connolly led the league in scoring, finishing with 26 goals and 46 assists for 72 points. connolly was named the 2007–08 season ushl rookie of the year and usa hockey player of the year.