USHL Lincoln Stars

Spinale's Goal Secures Four-Point Weekend

February 10, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release


Ryan Spinale scored a go-ahead power-play goal at the 18:23 mark of the third and the Lincoln Stars defeated the Des Moines Buccaneers, 3-2, on Saturday night at Buccaneer Arena.

Spinale's second in as many days and fourth of the season came six seconds into the Stars' fourth power-play of the night. Jack Pechar drew a tripping penalty to set up the Stars' sixth power-play goal in the last four games. Spinale one-timed the eventual game-winner from one knee steps away shortly afterwards on a cross-ice feed from Kai Janviriya.

Lucas Massie stopped 25 shots to earn his fifth consecutive win between the pipes. Lincoln led, 2-1, entering the third period but surrendered the equalizer when Adam Zlnka cashed in with a power-play tally at the 15:30 mark courtesy of a Stars' too many men on the ice penalty 1:20 prior.

"After letting up that goal, it wasn't fair to Mass," Spinale said. "He played unbelievable tonight so we knew we had to do something there. Great play by Kai to fake that shot and slide it over."

Spinale celebrated his birthday with a goal and two assists for the second three-point game of his USHL career and then netted the game-winner on Saturday to cap a four-point weekend. The Stars are 15-8 since Spinale debuted on Nov. 22.

Justin Mexico scored for the third time in the last four games and for the seventh time this season. After Des Moines scored just 23 seconds into the game he tied it up by one-timing a pass from German Yavash after Yavash forced a turnover behind the Buccaneers' net. Mexico joined Lincoln two games before Spinale and has similarly left his mark on a team that has won 10 of its last 13 games and a season-high four straight.

"Look at the turnaround in our group since we added Spins and we added Mexico," head coach Rocky Russo said. "Those guys are killing penalties, they're playing power plays, they're playing five-on-five. They're both on the ice at the end of the game with the net empty. Those are two guys who aren't only affecting the game on the ice but they are culture guys. They went in that room and they bought in to what we are trying to accomplish here."

Keaton Peters tallied his 16th goal of the season and third in the last two games to give the Stars their first lead of the game 6:02 in the second. Blake Montgomery sped into the attacking end near-side and dropped the puck off to his right to Peters, who waited for the defense to back up and fired a wrist shot from just inside the blue line to make it 2-1, Stars.

The Stars' next game is on Friday in the first of a three-game weekend. Lincoln hosts Sioux City on Friday, travels to face the Musketeers the next night and then wraps up the weekend at home against Dubuque on Feb. 18. Friday's game is Aubri Brown Club Night and the Stars and the Musketeers will both wear specialty uniforms. Lincoln's jerseys will be auctioned off after the game and can be picked up two days later on Undie Sunday. Fans are encouraged to bring new, prepackaged underwear to the game and toss it on the ice after the Stars score their first goal to donate to Foster Care Closet. Tickets for both games can be purchased now at lincolnstars.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 10, 2024


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