USHL Lincoln Stars

Stars Start Slow, Lose 6-3 to Flying Aces

Published on April 6, 2019 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release


Lincoln, NE - The Stars squared off with the Flying Aces Saturday night, looking to bounce back from a tough loss Friday.

In the first period, Central Illinois proved quickly it had other plans. The Flying Aces took control of the contest in the first, after an opening five minutes that saw each side trade zones liberally. Cal Kiefiuk beat Jacob Mucitelli on the game's first power play off a quick feed from Stephen Halliday. At even strength, Central Illinois struck again at 11:47, when Chad Hillebrand put home a Bradley Marek rebound to make it 2-0. On their second power play of the night, The Flying Aces kept their momentum going, when Halliday found Trevor Janicke for the 3-0 lead at 18:32. The Stars were limited to just five shots on goal, in a scoreless first period for their offense.

The Flying Aces surged out of the gate in the second as just 1:49 in, Jake Boltmann found Calen Kiefiuk over the left wing, where the forward flipped the puck to a crashing Tyler Gratton in the slot for the 4-0 lead. Chad Hillebrand added his second of the night at 7:54, assisted by Joe Dunlap. The Stars awoke after a sluggish period and a half, as Michael Colella surged in over the line to force a takeaway on the half-wall, leading Tristan Ashbrook toward the slot, where the Stars veteran ripped the puck home for Lincoln's first tally. The Stars pressured well throughout the second but were denied by solid goaltending from Ryan Snowden, who returned at the start of the second, following a departure at 15:34 of the first for a broken skate blade. Heading into the second intermission, the Stars trailed 5-1.

Lincoln continued their pushed through the opening minutes of the third and were rewarded again when Charlie Schoen notched the first goal of his Stars and USHL career. The Andover, Minnesota native fired a shot top shelf from the right circle to trim the deficit to three. Lincoln's momentum was slowed at 8:51, when former Star Philippe Lapointe, fired a puck off of Mucitelli's arm, and into the net. Fighting back a subsequent Flying Aces push, the Stars notched one more. At 14:50, Grant Johnson led Steven Agriogianis to the net, where the former Flying Ace put the puck past Snowden's pads for his fourth goal of the year. Trailing by three down the stretch, Lincoln emptied the net following a Central Illinois penalty with 58 seconds to play. The Stars could not solve Snowden and fell 6-3 at the horn.

Lincoln will next play Omaha on Friday, April 12th at Ralston Arena, with puck drop set for 7:35 pm. The Stars will conclude their season with Billet and Fan Appreciation Night the next day at the Ice Box at 7:05 pm. The game is sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation. The Stars will wear custom jerseys for the foundation that will be auctioned off after the game.

Enjoy All You Can Eat Hockey at single home games by purchasing a group of five or more, or grab one of our multi-game memberships to secure the same seat each game. Parking is completely FREE this season!

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United States Hockey League Stories from April 6, 2019


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