
AJ Villella Named USHL Defenseman of the Week
October 9, 2017 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release
Sioux Falls, SD-The United States Hockey League (USHL) announced Monday that AJ Villella (VIL-lel-luh) has been named Defenseman of the Week.
Villella earns the honor after posting three points in two games last weekend. On Friday, Villella tallied a goal and an assist along in a 5-2 win at Fargo. He also tallied three shots in the game. After helping set up the Herd's first goal in the first period, the Davie, FL native scored on the powerplay in the second to give the Stampede a commanding 4-1 lead.
On Saturday, Villella helped the Stampede tie the game early in the second period when he assisted on Nolan Walker's goal that tied the game 2-2 in what would end up being a 4-2 setback against Waterloo at the PREMIER Center.
Villella is in his second season with the Stampede and has already committed to play collegiate hockey at Northeastern University. After being acquired from the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders early last season, Villella tallied 13 points (4g, 9a) in 45 games with the Stampede in 2016-17.
The Stampede return to action this weekend when they travel to Omaha and Sioux City, Friday and Saturday night. Game times are 7:05 PM each night and both games can be heard live on KELO News Talk 1320-AM and online at KELO.com. The Herd return home on Friday, October 20th to host the Des Moines Buccaneers and on Saturday, October 21st to host the Waterloo Black Hawks. Tickets are on sale now through the PREMIER Center or any Ticketmaster outlet.
Contact: Jim Olander 605-336-6060
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