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USHL Tri-City Storm

Stars Hold off Storm in Season Finale

April 13, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release


KEARNEY, Neb. - In the final game of the season, the Tri-City Storm (22-35-7) staged a late rally but ultimately fell to the Lincoln Stars (39-22-3) 4-3 in front of a sold out crowd of 4,147 on Saturday night at the Viaero Event Center.

Michael Vecchione finished his season on a four-game goal scoring streak, scoring his 26th of the season on a power play in the first period. Brian Ward also finished the season on a 17-game point scoring streak, notching two assists in his final game with the team.

Lincoln took an early lead in the first period when Luke Johnson scored a power play goal at 9:50 of the opening frame.

But Tri-City responded to tie the game at 1-1 later in the period when Vecchione took a pass from Trevor Moore and beat Lincoln netminder Michael Bitzer.

The Stars once again took the lead in the second when Vinni Lettieri scored from forward Zach Aston-Reese to make it 2-1.

Nolan Gluchowski tied up the game for the Storm with his eighth goal of the season in the final minute of the second period. Ward won a faceoff in the Stars' zone to Vecchione, and the assistant captain found Gluchowski, who beat Bitzer with a shot that went off the post and into the back of the net.

With the teams all square headed to the third and final period, Lincoln got two consecutive goals from Lettieri and Brad Hawkinson to retake the lead once again at 4-2.

After a late penalty to Lincoln's Max Humitz, the Storm used a power play to move within striking distance in the final minute. Jared Linnell put home his 12th goal of the season to make it a 4-3 game.

The Storm had a few more chances in the closing seconds, but couldn't find the equalizer.

Tri-City finishes with an overall record of 22-35-7 and will look forward to competing once again next season. The USHL will hold its upcoming Futures Draft on May 6 and its Entry Draft on May 7.

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United States Hockey League Stories from April 13, 2013


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