USHL Lincoln Stars

Stars Trade Pinto and Two Picks for Colella, Two Picks, and Future Considerations

January 23, 2019 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release


Lincoln, NE - The Stars have traded leading scorer Shane Pinto and two picks in the 2019 Phase II draft to the Tri-City Storm, the team announced Wednesday. The picks are a 2019 Phase II 6th round pick, originally acquired in a trade with Omaha, and a 2019 Phase II 10th round pick.

In return, the Stars will receive forward Michael Colella, a 2019 Phase II 3rd round pick, and a 2020 Phase II 2nd round pick along with future considerations.

Colella is a '99-born forward from Turnersville, New Jersey who is committed to Colorado College. He has played for both the Omaha Lancers and Tri-City Storm this season. In 28 games, he has five goals and five assists. Colella scored the game-winner in overtime against the Stars in their home opener against Omaha back in October.

Pinto led the Stars in scoring with 17 goals and 32 points in 30 games played this season. The rookie was just ranked 35th on Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings. In September the 18-year old attended the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. He followed that up with a strong showing for Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge, helping the team clinch a gold medal. From November to January, the rookie held a 12-game scoring streak for the Stars. Pinto is committed to the University of North Dakota.

"Shane has shown a maturity beyond his years ever since his arrival to Lincoln," said Stars GM Hull. "As a highly-rated NHL prospect, we wanted to give Shane an opportunity to play deep into the playoffs and in turn help our organization out for the future. We appreciate Shane's efforts with us and wish him all the best this season and beyond."

The Stars thank Shane Pinto for his contributions to their organization both on and off the ice and wish him only the best in his hockey career and beyond.

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