Whitehead Shuts Out Des Moines
March 18, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
Cameron Whitehead recorded his fourth shutout of the season as the Lincoln Stars defeated the Des Moines Buccaneers, 4-0, on Friday night at Buccaneer Arena.
Whitehead stopped all 21 shots that he faced while Keaton Peters, Doug Grimes and Patrick Raftery all scored. Lincoln (29-18-3) took the season series, 4-2, over Des Moines (18-23-5-3) and the Stars won their third consecutive game overall and for the fourth time in the last five games.
"I thought the effort on the road tonight was really good," head coach Rocky Russo said. "Their goalie played excellent tonight. We doubled them up in shots and it took everything we could to get one by him. When we needed some big goals we came up with them."
The Stars outshot the Buccaneers 31-13 in the first two periods but only led 1-0 after 40 minutes. Keaton Peters scored on a wrist shot above the circles at the 2:58 mark of the second for his 15th of the season, third-most on the Stars.
Whitehead kept the Buccaneers off the scoresheet to record his fifth career USHL shutout. He made three phenomenal saves, one in each period, en route to earning his 20th win of the season. Whitehead's first true test of the night came with 8:15 remaining in the first period when he faced a three-on-two turned three-on-one rush and responded with a stop to keep the game scoreless. He then made two tremendous saves to keep Lincoln up one, first on a two-on-one rush with 11:43 to go in the second period and then on a point-blank opportunity with 5:25 left in the game.
"The team was playing great in front of me," Whitehead said, "and it was easy to stay confident in myself. It's nice to get one on the road. It gives the team a lot of confidence heading into tomorrow." Grimes scored his 17th of the season at the 16:44 mark of the third period on the Stars' third power play of the game. Lincoln did not get any man-advantage opportunities in the first period but the third time was the charm as Grimes potted home a rebound to remain second on the Stars in goals.
Mason Marcellus picked up the primary assist on Grimes' goal to record his 100th career USHL point. The Stars' captain is tied with Cedar Rapids' Ryan Walsh for first in the USHL with 40 assists.
Raftery, appearing in his 100th USHL game on Friday night, wrapped things up with a shorthanded empty-net goal. Tanner Ludtke sent a backhand pass through a few defenders from the near boards perfectly to Raftery all alone in the slot and he tucked it in to seal the road victory.
The Stars return to the Ice Box on Saturday night to host the Omaha Lancers at 6:05 p.m. Lincoln has won six-of-seven games in the season series after sweeping last weekend's home-and-home set. Saturday is Epilepsy Night and the Stars will be wearing specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game. Proceeds will benefit the Nebraska Epilepsy Foundation and tickets can be purchased at lincolnstars.com
Save time, every time when you use Online Check-in for a great haircut at Great Clips - proud partner of the Lincoln Stars.
Download their app or check-in online at greatclips.com. Great Clips. It's gonna be great.
United States Hockey League Stories from March 18, 2023
- Stars Win Seventh of Season vs. Omaha - Lincoln Stars
- Steel Earn Gritty 3-2 Victory Over Dubuque Saturday - Chicago Steel
- Gamblers Fall to Team USA to Split Home Series - Green Bay Gamblers
- The Aftermath: Storm Drops Overtime Thriller to Musketeers - Tri-City Storm
- Overtime Thriller Gives Muskies Win - Sioux City Musketeers
- Hawks Deliver Emphatic Finish - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Jacks Fall in Big Way to USNTDP U18s 10-0 - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Storm Set for Kool-Aid Night - Tri-City Storm
- Dupaco Giveaway & Postgame Skate Sunday - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Gameday Preview - Lincoln Stars
- Whitehead Shuts Out Des Moines - Lincoln Stars
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
