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USHL: Fargo at Lincoln

Game played on 11/09/2024.

General Game Notes: November 9, 2024 – USHL action between Fargo Force and Lincoln Stars. The home team used the crowd to their advantage as the Stars won a chippy one by the score of 4-2.

Finn McLaughlin (D, L, 6’1″, 185, Fargo Force, 02/28/2006, Denver)

Grade: B

Comments: McLaughlin displayed a strong 2-way game, excelling in both defensive and offensive situations. He defended well in his own zone, maintaining a solid gap and effectively neutralizing opposing forwards. In the neutral zone, he stayed active and rarely retreated unnecessarily, ensuring he kept pressure on the puck carrier. Offensively, McLaughlin joined the rush with confidence, often pushing forward and even acting as an extra forward at times.

Hayes Hundley (D, R, 6’3″, 208, Fargo Force, 03/22/2005)

Grade: B

Comments: Hundley is a right-shot defenseman with a combination of size and skill that makes him a physical presence in all areas of the ice. In the defensive zone, he plays hard, especially in net-front battles and along the walls, using his size to effectively box out opponents and clear the crease. Offensively, Hundley shows confidence with the puck, moving his feet well and beating opponents in 1-on-1 situations to create open ice. He’s effective at either funneling pucks to the net or making smart passes to open teammates.

Gavin Kor (C, R, 5’6″, 162, Fargo Force, 03/22/2007)

Grade: B-

Comments: Kor may be undersized, but he consistently creates scoring opportunities with his relentless style of play. He has a shoot-first mentality, always looking to get pucks on net. He keeps his feet moving, which puts him into dangerous areas. His quick release is another key asset, allowing him to get pucks to the net and create chaos there.

Sam Laurila (D, L, 6’1″, 188, Fargo Force, 09/02/2006, North Dakota)

Grade: B

Comments: Laurila showed great awareness and timing in the offensive zone, particularly with his ability to jump into open pockets. On the first goal of the game, he made a smart pass to the wall, then immediately accelerated into the high slot, receiving the puck and quickly releasing a shot through traffic to beat the goaltender. This play highlighted his ability to read the game, make explosive jumps into the right areas, and utilize a quick, accurate shot. Laurila’s combination of hockey IQ, speed, and decision making make him a solid 2-way defender.

Brady Arneson (LW, L, 5’11”, 176, Fargo Force, 02/11/2005, Maine)

Grade: B-

Comments: Arneson played with a noticeable edge, bringing grit and energy to his game. He was effective on the forecheck, consistently finishing his checks and creating physical pressure on the opposition. His work ethic and relentless style sparked both himself and his linemates, as he kept his feet moving and worked to generate momentum.

Will Prowse (G, L, 6’0″, 167, Lincoln Stars, 12/18/2006)

Grade: B

Comments: Prowse plays with high intensity, staying on his toes and always ready for what comes his way. His quick movements allow him to fight through traffic, locate pucks, and make the necessary saves. He’s particularly effective on his posts, moving well side to side and using the RVH technique to seal off any holes on off-angle shots. Prowse displayed strong focus and tracking ability, making some impressive 1-2 saves by staying intense and reading the play. His ability to stay square to the puck and remain composed under pressure makes him a reliable presence in net.

Jacob Rombach (D, L, 6’6″, 202, Lincoln Stars, 04/01/2007, Minnesota)

Grade: B

Comments: Rombach is a towering presence on the backend, using his size and physicality to make it difficult for opponents to gain any open ice. He excels at closing off lanes and killing plays with his long reach, disrupting opposing forwards before they can create scoring opportunities. While he is more of a defensive-minded player, Rombach is also capable of contributing offensively when given time and space. He does a good job of getting pucks through traffic, often finding ways to direct shots toward the net.

Alex Pelletier (LW, L, 5’10”, 189, Lincoln Stars, 06/01/2005, Cornell)

Grade: C+

Comments: Pelletier generated offensive chances by keeping his feet moving and getting pucks on net. His quick release and ability to drive to the inside made him a threat around the net. When his first shot didn’t result in a goal, he was quick to follow up, often retrieving his own rebounds and getting another opportunity.

Daniel Shlaine (C, L, 6’1″, 172, Lincoln Stars, 10/30/2005, Minnesota Duluth)

Grade: B

Comments: Shlaine is a forward who isn’t afraid to throw pucks at the net from all angles, consistently looking to create scoring chances. Off the rush, he targets the goaltender’s feet, aiming for rebounds by shooting from off-angles. His rangy frame and long reach allow him to fend off defenders, extend plays, and get pucks to dangerous areas. Shlaine’s persistence paid off when he scored a crafty goal, gathering a rebound in tight and banking it off the goaltender.

Jack Pechar (RW, R, 6’1″, 197, Lincoln Stars, 03/20/2005, Northeastern)

Grade: B-

Comments: Pechar showed high hockey IQ by making smart reads to poke pucks past pinching defenders, leading to several odd-man rushes. His speed through the neutral zone is a key asset, and he consistently used it to attack the net with pace. Although he didn’t score, Pechar generated several quality scoring chances and showed the ability to create offense through his quick transitions and relentless drive to the net.

Etienne Lessard (D, L, 5’8″, 164, Lincoln Stars, 03/22/2004, Union)

Grade: B-

Comments: Lessard is a smaller defenseman who logs heavy minutes for the Stars. He skates well and uses his mobility to quickly transition the puck up ice, helping to push the tempo and limit time spent in the defensive zone. Lessard makes smart, efficient plays and is confident handling the puck in all three zones. His ability to control the game with his skating and decision-making allows him to contribute both defensively and offensively.

Dashel Oliver (RW, R, 5’10”, 187, Lincoln Stars, 02/24/2005, Notre Dame)

Grade: B-

Comments: Oliver opened the scoring with a great individual effort, forechecking hard to create a turnover, then attacking the net on a mini-breakaway. His active stick and relentless work ethic allowed him to disrupt the play and gain possession. Once he was in tight on the goaltender, Oliver showed a nice set of hands, beating the keeper with a quick, composed move. He kept his feet moving throughout the play, showing determination and a strong nose for the net.

Tanner Henricks (D, R, 6’3″, 194, Lincoln Stars, 07/25/2006, St. Cloud)

Grade: B+

Comments: Henricks possesses exceptional hockey IQ, always knowing when to be aggressive and when to play a more patient, composed game. His size, strength, and power make him a formidable presence defensively, where he uses his physicality to win battles, box out opponents early, and block shots when needed. Offensively, Henricks isn’t afraid to jump into open pockets, and he has a strong, accurate shot. He scored a beautiful goal, which stood as the game-winner, by one-timing a puck from the high slot and beating the goaltender cleanly.

Matthew Maltais (C, L, 6’2″, 190, Lincoln Stars, 09/02/2004, Nebraska Omaha)

Grade: B-

Comments: Maltais has a knack for putting himself in scoring positions. In the offensive zone, he consistently finds quiet areas in the slot, allowing him to receive pucks and quickly get them on net. On the rush, he’s smart with his positioning, often trailing as the high guy or driving the back post, creating good looks for himself.

Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

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