Stars Drop Weekend Opener vs. Fargo
Published on December 11, 2021 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
LINCOLN, Neb. - The Lincoln Stars (11-7-1-1) couldn't build off a brief lead, falling 4-2 against the Fargo Force (7-11-2-1) on Friday night at the Ice Box.
In the first period, both goaltenders sparkled with clean slates through 20 minutes. The Stars fired 14 shots on goal while Fargo sent 11 towards Kaidan Mbereko.
Charlie Lurie drew first blood at 1:53 of the second period, blasting a one-timer past Mbereko just after a Lincoln penalty kill expired. Less than two minutes later, Griffin Jurecki potted his fourth goal of the season from just outside the crease after a feed from Aidan Thompson. Carter Schade snagged the secondary assist in his first game back from a suspension.
The Stars fed off that momentum and drew consecutive power plays, finally cashing in at 12:32 with Thompson's fourth goal of 2021-22. Dalton Norris carried the puck over the blue line and pushed the puck back to the right point for Michael Mastrodomenico, establishing zone possession. Mastrodomenico rotated the puck to the left circle, allowing Thompson to step in and beat Louden Hogg past the blocker-side.
Lincoln's lead was short-lived as Erik Bargholtz tied the game 24 seconds later, knotting the game up at two goals apiece.
After 40 minutes, the Stars outshot Fargo 24-19, but failed to secure the lead.
Similarly to the last time the two clubs met (on November 19th), Fargo took the lead in the final frame thanks to a power-play goal. Bret Link found a loose puck in the slot and roofed a backhander past Mbereko at 11:07, giving Fargo a 3-2 lead.
Andre Gasseau added an empty-netter to seal it as the Stars fell for the second consecutive game. In their season series against Fargo, the Force have won three out of the four contests.
Mbereko made 24 saves in the loss while Hogg stopped 39. Lincoln's power-play was 1-for-6 and their penalty kill went 3-for-4.
Both teams will clash again on Saturday night for Teddy Bear Toss Night at the Ice Box!
After Lincoln's first goal, fans are encouraged to throw teddy bears and stuffed animals on the ice, which will be donated to Community Action of Lancaster and Saunders counties! There is also a postgame player-worn jersey auction.
United States Hockey League Stories from December 11, 2021
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- Lumberjacks Fall to Chicago in 6-4 Decision - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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- Stampede Earn Point in Shootout Loss to Tri-City - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Lancers Earn a Point, But Fall to the Musketeers in a Shootout - Omaha Lancers
- Storm Set to Battle Stampede for Second Time this Season - Tri-City Storm
- Stars Drop Weekend Opener vs. Fargo - Lincoln Stars
- Caps Dominate Gamblers with Full 60 Minute Performance and Stellar Goaltending from Ramirez - Madison Capitols
- Storm Drop Road Contest to Lancers 2-1 - Tri-City Storm
- Beck's Four Points Lead Fighting Saints to Win - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Lancers Edge Tri-City in a Nail Biter - Omaha Lancers
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