Ian Brady

CEDAR RAPIDS — Modesty, you’ve got to love it.

Ian Brady was full of it Thursday afternoon when asked about his exploits last week at the Junior ‘A’ Challenge international hockey tournament in Nova Scotia. The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman helped a United States team of USHL players to a gold medal with eight assists in four games.

That’s a tournament record.

“I don’t know. That doesn’t really (affect) me,” Brady said. “It doesn’t get me excited or anything. I mean, it was cool. But I was just happy I could help the team win.

“A pretty awesome experience. A lot of really good players. I think it helped my game a lot.”

It’s a different Ian Brady this season. He’s a three-year league veteran, a much-improved player offensively and defensively.

The Nebraska-Omaha signee has only played in seven games for the RoughRiders (who host Sioux City tonight and play Sunday at Team USA) because of the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge and an early season concussion, but you can see the confidence. —- “A lot of confidence, a lot of coach’s trust helps a lot,” he said.

There’s a lot of teammate trust there, too. Brady and second-year forward Davey Middleton were named co-captains of the RoughRiders in a team vote earlier this week.

That’s hockey’s highest honor, one that’s not lost on the 18-year-old from Lombard, Ill.

“It means every thing to me,” he said. “Jayson Megna was captain here my first year, and Stu Wilson last year. Those were two guys I learned a lot from. Just a great honor to be named captain of this team. I can’t really put into words what this means to me.”

RIDERS RAMBLINGS

— Forward Bryson Cianfrone had begun practicing again with the RoughRiders after an emergency appendectomy about three weeks ago. Cianfrone has a goal and assist in five games. He was acquired from Indiana in a trade just prior to the beginning of the season.

— The RoughRiders added goaltender Steve Michalek to their protected list earlier this week. A sixth-round draft choice of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild in 2011, Michalek was a second-team all-Ivy League pick at Harvard last season who lost his starting job and has not played this season. RoughRiders head coach/general manager Mark Carlson said there is “nothing definitive” in regards to Michalec possibly joining the Riders.

ON THE ICE

On tap: Cedar Rapids RoughRiders host Sioux City Musketeers at 7:05 tonight in the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.

Scouting report: Riders (6-5-2, 14 points) dropped games last weekend at Lincoln and Omaha, scoring one goal. Sioux City is 3-7-3, 12 points, last in the USHL West. Cedar Rapids has Saturday off, then plays Sunday at Team USA in Ann Arbor, Mich. a box office, (319) 261-GOAL, or

Promotions: Scout Night and Food Drive Night. Fans may take canned food items for local food reservoir.

Tickets: $14 to $20 at arena box office, (319) 261-GOAL, or www.ridertowunsa.com.