Hart Makes College Commitment
Published on December 8, 2022 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
Lincoln Stars defenseman DJ Hart has committed to play college hockey at Union College, an NCAA Division I program in the Eastern College Athletic Conference.
Hart has two goals and two assists in 20 games this season, his first with the Stars. The Stamford, Conn. native is one of 10 Stars to play in every game and is tied for second among team defensemen in goals.
"It is a huge thing to be close to home and being close to my family," Hart said. "I really liked the coaches. I loved everything that they had to offer. The academics are outstanding. The league that they play in is outstanding. When I got there I knew that it felt right. The campus was absolutely gorgeous and their rink has a ton of history. I know a few guys on the team there and they walked me through everything."
Hart previously played 48 games for the Madison Capitols in 2021-22 and recorded 13 points (4+9). His USHL experience also includes playing one game for Madison in 2019-20 and four games for the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2018-19.
Union has opened this season 6-8-1 and is coming off a 3-2 home victory over #18/19 Northeastern. The Dutchmen advanced to the ECAC Hockey Quarterfinals last season.
Union is led by head coach Josh Hauge, who is in his first season with the Dutchmen. He previously spent seven seasons as an assistant, with the last three as associate head coach, at Clarkson University. His prior stops include time spent as head coach and general manager of Tri-City Storm from 2012-14 and as an assistant coach for the Fargo Force in 2014-15.
"We're really happy for DJ," Stars head coach Rocky Russo said. "He's a 20 year old playing in the USHL and that can be a challenge for guys sometimes but he's been patient with the process and sticking to his identity as a player. Union was a great fit for him academically and athletically and we think he'll be a tremendous addition to their program."
Hart and the Stars are on the road Friday night at Sioux Falls before hosting Tri-City on Saturday for Down Syndrome Night. There will be a postgame jersey auction and tickets can be purchased at lincolnstars.com.
United States Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2022
- Lumberjacks' Talented Forward Cody Croal Is Starting to Find the Magic Scoring Touch - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Hart Makes College Commitment - Lincoln Stars
- Saturday Night Bucs Host Sticks & Sips, Postgame Skate - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Greene Selected to Canada World Junior Camp - Green Bay Gamblers
- Gamblers Weekend Preview - Green Bay Gamblers
- Lumberjacks Acquire Forward Ethan Fredericks from Des Moines Buccaneers - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Alumni Update: Kyle Kukkonen - Madison Capitols
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