Russell Heier (Bismarck, ND) finished 5-2 in the 0-team qualifying round. . In their opening game, Heier lost 6-5 to Seppo Sormunen (Duluth, MN), then responded with a 5-4 win over Jeff Erickson (Duluth, MN). Heier went on to lose 6-4 against Jeff Wright (Libertyville, IL). Heier responded with a 8-6 win over Joel Larway (Lynnwood, WA). Heier won 5-2 against Craig Halliday (Denver, CO), then won 6-3 against Jon Schiestel (Greeley, CO) and 5-2 against Mark Carothers (Fairbanks, AK) in their final qualifying round match.
 
Heier ranks th overall on the Year-to-Date rankings with points earned so far this season.