5 Things: A-Mason Finish in Sioux City
Published on October 31, 2021 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
The Lincoln Stars (7-3-1) completed the weekend sweep over the Sioux City Musketeers, winning 4-3 in overtime at Tyson Events Center on Saturday. Here are five things that happened:
1.) STONE COLD MASON
Mason Marcellus was the hero in overtime, scoring his second goal of the season 2:37 into the extra frame. The Quinnipiac commit took a drop pass from Michael Mastrodomenico along the right circle, skated down to the goal line and drove the net with a power move.
Marcellus deked around Musketeers goaltender Axel Mangbo while dodging the stick of defenseman Ralfs Bergmanis, sliding the puck into the net while flying through the air.
The 19-year-old forward was lauded for his defensive play throughout the weekend, but he also added two points during the weekend series against the Musketeers.
2.) VEREMYEV AND LABA RETURN
Although Lincoln secured two points Friday night, they were missing two of their veteran forwards in Noah Laba and Gleb Veremyev, who were both suspended. On Saturday, they made their presence known early on.
Veremyev ripped a shot from the left circle 4:39 into the opening period, notching his third goal of the season. Laba picked up the secondary assist on the tally, retrieving the puck in the defensive zone to start the sequence.
Aside from his offensive contribution, Veremyev threw his body around all night long, knocking over Musketeers and skating the puck north with confidence. Laba won crucial face-offs at even-strength and on special teams, generating chances for himself and his linemates.
The Stars received a boost from their reinforcements up front, solidifying their depth at the forward position.
3.) TONY AND LUC PICK UP THEIR FIRSTS
Following a tied first period, Antonio Fernandez lit the lamp at 9:34, marking his first USHL goal. Lucas Wahlin went in hard on the forecheck, stealing the puck from Mikey Adamson and funneling the puck across the ice to a streaking Fernandez. The 18-year-old ripped a shot from the right circle through the right arm of Mangbo, giving the Stars a 2-1 lead.
Luc Laylin joined Fernandez with a deflection in the third period, increasing Lincoln's advantage to two at 2:58. Laylin got a stick on Dalton Norris' shot from the right point and the carom found its way to the back of the net. The goal was reviewed for over two minutes, but the call on the ice stood as a good goal.
4.) BEND, BUT DON'T BREAK
With the Stars up 3-1, Sioux City's sense of urgency was heightened as they ramped up the pressure. Nick Pierre's rocket of a wrist shot cut Lincoln's lead in half at 7:22. Thirty seconds later Owen McLaughlin added his second goal of the night, sending Tyson Events Center into a frenzy.
Two minutes after McLaughlin's equalizer, Kirklan Irey was sent in alone on a breakaway against Cameron Whitehead. The Stars netminder turned the chance aside with the blocker, stopping the bleeding for the time being. Lincoln was outshot 32-20 through regulation, but Whitehead kept the Stars in it despite the home team's momentum.
Whitehead made three more stops in overtime, racking up a total of 32 for his fourth win of the season. With the victory on Saturday night, the 18-year-old extended his unbeaten in regulation streak to five games.
5.) BEST IN THE WEST
After their sweep of the Musketeers, the Stars now sit atop the Western Conference standings with 15 points. Tri-City is one point behind with two games-in-hand, but it's still a significant accomplishment for a Lincoln group that's had plenty of turnover following the conclusion of last season.
It took the Stars 17 games last year to hit their seventh win, but they accomplished that feat in 11 games this time around. With 51 games left in the regular season, there's still plenty of room to grow, but you couldn't have asked for a much better start if you're a Stars fan.
United States Hockey League Stories from October 31, 2021
- Chauvette Stonewalls Steel; Phantoms Win 5-1 - Youngstown Phantoms
- Steel Finish Road Trip with 5-1 Loss against Youngstown - Chicago Steel
- Bucs Hunt for Wins - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Force Downed by Blackhawks in OT - Fargo Force
- 5 Things: A-Mason Finish in Sioux City - Lincoln Stars
- Phantoms Snap Slide with 4-2 Win over Cedar Rapids - Youngstown Phantoms
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