Wahlin, Stars Walk off Storm
Published on April 4, 2022 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
LINCOLN, Neb. - The Lincoln Stars (33-18-2-3) beat the Tri-City Storm (41-10-3) for the first time this season, defeating the Storm 3-2 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at the Ice Box. Here are five things that happened: ¬â¹ ¬â¹
1.) WAHLIN WALKS IT OFF
Lucas Wahlin continued his scoring rampage after returning from his one-game suspension, scoring two goals on Sunday, including the game-winner.
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In the second period, the 20-year-old forward provided a well-needed momentum swing with a shorthanded goal at 13:32. The Stars were trailing 2-0 when Aidan Thompson sped after a loose puck against Storm goaltender Sebastian Wraneschitz, who came out to play it in the slot. Thompson, Wraneschitz and Mitchell Miller collided with the puck still in play.
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Wahlin worked the puck for Thompson, whose initial shot was stopped by Wraneschitz, and then followed up on the rebound for his 26th goal of the year. The University of St. Thomas commit extended his personal goal streak to eight games, the longest streak in the USHL this season. The goal also marked Wahlin's fifth shorthanded goal in 2021-22 which also leads the league.
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In overtime, Wahlin would strike again, burying a pass from Jo Lemay along the right circle 3:56 into the extra frame. Mason Marcellus picked up the secondary helper on Wahlin's 27th tally. Over his last eight games, Wahlin has scored 15 times.
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2.) SATO STEPS UP
¬â¹With Noah Laba suspended for Sunday's game, Yu Sato was promoted to the second line between Gleb Veremyev and Doug Grimes.
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Sato, a natural winger, looked right at home down the middle, controlling face-offs and dictating play through all three zones.
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Not only that, but the Saitama, JPN native tied the game in the third period on a gorgeous re-direct after a shot from Joey Pierce at the right point.
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Sato's ninth goal of the season came 12:06 into the final frame of regulation. Doug Grimes picked up a point on the play after firing a shot off Wraneschitz before Pierce corralled the puck at the right point.
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Along with the goal, Sato was a plus-one, generating three shots on net in Sunday's game. With Laba suspended for Friday's game against the Omaha Lancers, Sato will once again be called upon to provide stability on the second line.
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3.) KAIDAN WEATHERS THE STORM
Kaidan Mbereko appeared in all three games this weekend, finally being rewarded on Sunday with a win and a 21-save performance.
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Mbereko made a plethora of stops in dangerous situations as the Storm penetrated the Stars defense with quality looks. One of his best saves came on Gavin Brindley on a 2-on-1 rush in the second period, but Mbereko fought off the chance with the right arm.
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The Colorado College commit kept top Tri-City scorers like Miller and Cole O'Hara off the scoresheet, limiting rebounds and tracking the puck well.
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Mbereko's 17th win of the year has him currently ranked 6th in the USHL in victories.
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4.) LOCKING IT DOWN LATE
Despite allowing numerous Tri-City chances off the rush in the first two periods, Lincoln found success thwarting Tri-City's attack in the third period.
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The Stars outshot the Storm 12-5, tying the game with Sato's goal and forcing overtime. In the extra session, the Storm attempted to break through Lincoln's defense in the 3-on-3, but they were stuck in the perimeter and lost the puck several times.
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After allowing twelve goals in two games against the Musketeers earlier in the weekend, Lincoln's defense hunkered down and delivered one of their best performances of the year when it mattered most late in the game. Jo Lemay was a plus-two rating while leading the Stars blueliners in minutes played.
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5.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COACH
Stars head coach Rocky Russo celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday. His team's performance was the perfect present.
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"When you do what I do, you sacrifice a lot," Russo said postgame. "You miss birthdays, you miss anniversaries, you miss weddings. But, it's all for something that's special like this. The hockey team is my second family and being able to be around the guys today just to be a part of their compete level today and their effort and their relentless pursuit of a victory today was something that was really special."
United States Hockey League Stories from April 4, 2022
- Petersen Featured on Bobblehead - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Wahlin, Stars Walk off Storm - Lincoln Stars
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