USHL Lincoln Stars

Stars Host Storm for Seventh Time this Season

Published on January 2, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release


Lincoln, Neb. - The Lincoln Stars (19-11-0) will host the Tri-City Storm (11-10-7) on Saturday, January 2, in the Ice Box. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.

The Stars lead the Western Conference with 38 points and are in the midst of a three-game winning streak, riding stellar goaltending from Patrik Virtanen who has posted a .1.60 GAA and .946 save percentage in his last three starts.

Tri-City has dropped three of its last five games, but sits fourth in the Western Conference with 29 points. Forward Carson Meyer (14-9-23) and defenseman Mattias Goransson (6-16-22) lead the Storm.

The Stars led the season series with the Storm, 4-2-0, however the Storm has won the previous two meetings. The teams are scheduled to play a total of eight times this season.

Last Game

Jan. 2 vs. Sioux Falls - (2-1 W)

The Stars earned their third overtime win of the season in a battle between the top teams in the Western Conference. Ludvig Hoff and Grant Jozefek scored in the road win. Patrik Virtanen finished with 36 saves.

Stars Lately - The Stars are on a three-game winning streak, sitting first in the Western Conference with 38 points. They're led by forwards Ludvig Hoff (10-18-28) and Grant Jozefek (9-17-26). Patrik Virtanen has posted a .946 save percentage and 1.60 GAA in the last three games.

FOLLOW ALONG

Social: Twitter (@LincolnStars) | Facebook: Lincoln Stars | Instagram (@officiallincolnstars)

Audio: Lincoln Stars Radio App | http://bit.ly/1jQzTKc | 93.7 The Ticket

Video: FASTHockey | Live Stats: USHL.com

Top Prospects - Ludvig Hoff, Grant Jozefek, Christian Evers and Peyton Jones were named to the 2016 USHL/NHL Top Prospects game in Omaha, Nebraska on Jan. 12. USHL and NHL personnel collaborated to pick the 40-man roster to be divided between a Team East and Team West.

Scouting Tri-City - The Storm are fourth in the Western Conference with 29 points. Tri-City has gone 5-2-3 in its last 10 games and eight of those games have been decided by one goal. They're led by forward Carson Meyer (14-9-23) and defenseman Mattias Goransson (6-16-22).

Stars vs. Storm - The Stars are 4-2-0 against the Storm this season, but the Storm has won the last two meetings by a combined score of 8-4. The teams will meet for a final time on Jan. 15 in Kearney.

Hot Goalie - Patrik Virtanen has gone 3-0-0 since the Stars returned from Christmas break. The Finish goalie has posted a .946 save percentage and 1.60 GAA during that stretch.

International Results - Jozefek helped Team USA take third place in the World Junior A Challenge with three goals and two assists in five games. Ludvig Hoff finished with three goals in five games for Team Norway at the Division 1A World Junior Championship.

Welcome Back - Ludvig Hoff and Grant Jozefek have combined for six points since rejoining the team on Dec. 27.

Cruise Control - Stars captain Biagio Lerario has four goals and three assists in six games. Ludvig Hoff has five assists and one goal in his last five games.

Overtime Heroes - Lincoln is 4-0-0 in overtime and shootouts this season. Jozefek has tallied two overtime winners.

(Super) Power Play - The Stars have the second-best power play in the league, scoring on 23.4% of chances (26-111).

Scoring By Committee - 18 Stars have scored goals and 19 have registered points. Alex Green is the only skater without a point.

Wild Bunch - The Stars average 17.9 penalty minutes per game, second highest in the USHL. Biagio Lerario leads the league with 91 penalty minutes.

Tickets, Tickets - Single game tickets, four game mini packs and group tickets are available by logging on to lincolnstars.com or by calling 402-474-7827.

20th Anniversary Season - The Stars are celebrating their 20th Anniversary Season this year. The team played its first season in 1996-1997.

Oh Captain, My Captain - Biagio Lerario was named team captain for the 2015-2016 season. Ludvig Hoff, Patrick Polino and Dylan Woolf were named assistants. The Stars eight-man leadership group includes those four players along with Adam Brady, Sam Kauppila, Ryan Jones and Christian Evers.

Loose Pucks

-The Stars have 17 NCAA committed players

-ECAC (8), NCHC (5), WCHA (1), Hockey East (1), Big Ten (2)

-Patrick Polino has 197 career games played

Check out the Lincoln Stars Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 2, 2016


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