USHL Tri-City Storm

Storm Alumni Update: Zamboni Malfunctions + Strong Performances

Published on November 15, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release


Kearney, Neb. - Three former Storm players were part of arguably the most-bizarre game of the college hockey season on Sunday; Tory Dello, Bobby Nardella and Garret Cecere, were forced off the ice in Sunday's game between Northeastern and Notre Dame when a Zamboni malfunction at Matthews Arena suspended action after two periods between the out-of-conference foes . Other than that fluke, Storm alumni continued to pick up points, both home and abroad.

Bill Thomas (TC: 2002-04), playing overseas for EC Salzburg in Austria, scored goal and four assists in two weekend games. The 33-year-old former NHL forward is playing his fourth straight season outside the United States.

New Jersey Devils forward Nick Lappin (TC: 2010-12) scored his second NHL goal in a Saturday victory against the Buffalo Sabres. Lappin made his NHL debut for the New Jersey Devils in October 2016.

In cage, former Minnesota Golden Gopher Adam Wilcox (TC: 2011-12) picked up his fourth straight win, moving to 5-2-0 with a 29-save victory for the Syracuse Crunch Saturday against Rochester.

Here's a look at some other top performances by Storm alumni over the past week.

College Hockey Sophomore trio contributes for Penn State Penn State swept the University of Alaska-Anchorage on consecutive nights and three Storm alum contributed points. On Friday, a 6-3 rout, Chase Berger (TC: 2012-15) recorded two goals, while sophomore Vince Pedrie (TC: 2015) had the game-winning goal and two points. Sophomore defenseman Kevin Kerr (TC: 2012-15) recorded an assist on Saturday.

Penn State has more former Storm players (3) than any other NCAA team this season. Last season, former Storm Captain Kenny Brooks was a senior for the Nittany Lions.

Berger ranks fourth on Penn State with five goals and 10 points. Pedrie has four goals, the most by a Penn State blueliner. Kerr and Pedrie each have eight points, second-best for a Nittany Lions defenseman.

Kielly's best weekend 2016 Clark Cup Champion Jake Kielly (TC: 2015-16) posted wins in back-to-back days for the first time in his college career, leading Clarkson to a sweep against Rensselaer and #15 Union.

Saturday, the freshman Kielly allowed one goal and made 36 saves to deny Union. Storm alum and NCAA Division 1 leading scorer Michael Vecchione (14 goals, 26 points) was held scoreless for just the second time in 13 games this season.

The night before, Kielly made 22 stops to defeat RPI. Former Storm forward and Clarkson teammate Nico Sturm (TC: 2015-16) chipped in with his second NCAA goal, boosting to fifth on the squad with eight points.

The Storm is home for a pair of contests against Youngstown on Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19. Friday is UNK Night, presented by Hilltop Mall, plus a $5 Kids Friday for kids 12 and under, brought to you by Kearney Taco Bell. Saturday's game features special intermission Wiener Dog Races, presented by Fairview Vet Clinic. Finish up the weekend with a postgame skate.

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United States Hockey League Stories from November 15, 2016


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