Stars Announce 18U AAA Team
Published on June 1, 2022 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
The Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL) have announced the inauguration of the Lincoln Stars 18U AAA program, beginning in the 2022-23 season.
"The addition of our AAA program provides us with a unique opportunity to begin advancing AAA players to one of our three junior hockey teams in our organization," Stars General Manager Nick Fabrizio said. "Our goal is to develop players to their full potential both on and off the ice by emphasizing work ethic, high character, and discipline. We have a lot of work ahead of us and we are looking forward to getting things started this summer."
"We want to grow the game in Lincoln and create developmental opportunities for players at both the youth and junior levels," Stars Head Coach Rocky Russo said. "Our working relationship with LIHA will help us provide a path for local players to advance to the top levels of youth hockey and junior hockey without ever having to leave home."
The Stars AAA program's season begins in September and runs through March. They will practice and play their home games at the Ice Box.
Keith Burchett has been named the program's head coach. Burchett, 27, played for the Chicago Mission before being drafted by the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2013-14.
"I was thrilled when Keith accepted our offer and said he would come to Lincoln to lead our AAA program," Fabrizio said. "I am looking forward to working with Keith and seeing how he passes the knowledge he gained from his own journey down to his players. Keith's hockey career really took off after playing at the U18 level, his one and only year of AAA hockey."
"I started working with Nick when I was playing midget hockey in Chicago," Burchett said. "We have maintained a great relationship ever since. It was a really big opportunity for me and once he went into the details of the program and what it could be, it was a slam dunk and an easy decision to make."
After a 42-point season in the USHL, Burchett went on to play for the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
"My under-18 year was a massive part of my development and it led me to get exposure to the USHL, where I was lucky to get drafted," Burchett said. "Having that experience helped me realize how important it is, especially if you have aspirations of playing at the junior and college levels. I don't think I would have made it as far as I did in hockey playing-wise if I didn't have a good under-18 season."
Burchett previously served as an assistant coach for the Lake Tahoe Lakers of the U.S. Premier Hockey League during the 2021-22 season. Now, after being handed the reins behind the bench in Lincoln, Burchett is thrilled with the possibilities the Stars AAA program presents.
"I think this will be a huge addition to the already strong youth hockey community in Lincoln," Burchett said. "Having our AAA team in the same building as the USHL team is a great opportunity for our players."
Tryout dates will be announced at a later date. Are you interested in playing for the Lincoln Stars 18U AAA Team? Please contact head coach Keith Burchett at kburchett@lincolnstars.com or 630-849-4313.
United States Hockey League Stories from June 1, 2022
- Dylan James Named USHL Rookie of the Year - Sioux City Musketeers
- Luedeke Named Assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel - Green Bay Gamblers
- Stars Announce 18U AAA Team - Lincoln Stars
- Dylan James Named USHL Rookie of the Year - USHL
- Force Announce Chad Demers as Associate Head Coach - Fargo Force
- Arsenii Sergeev Named USHL Goaltender of the Year - Tri-City Storm
- Arsenii Sergeev Named USHL Goaltender of the Year - USHL
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