Lincoln Stars


The Lincoln Stars are a Tier I junior ice hockey team playing in the United States Hockey League. The Stars' home ice is the Ice Box on the former Nebraska State Fair grounds and adjacent to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

History

With prompting of Lincoln realtor Mark Claydon, who spear-headed an effort to build the city's first and only indoor ice arena, the Stars came to Lincoln in 1996. Led by Derek Reynolds and future NHL player Josh Langfeld, the Stars posted a 40–13–1 regular season record, the best expansion season in USHL history. The Stars continued their domination through the playoffs, losing just two playoff games en route to winning the Clark Cup. Every game was sold out at the 4,231-seat Ice Box. The success continued through the following seasons; the Stars sold out every home game until early 2002. In 1998, the Ice Box was expanded to 5,010 seats in preparation for the USA Hockey National Championships. The capacity was later reduced to 4,610, as some bleacher seats were converted to club seating.
The Stars have made the playoffs nine of their first ten seasons and won their second Clark Cup in 2003. Led by players such as Danny Irmen, the Stars defeated the rival Omaha Lancers in the Clark Cup finals.

Alumni

Notable Stars alumni includes Brandon Bochenski, Andy Schneider, David Backes, Josh Langfeld, Jared Boll, Evan Rankin, Erik Condra and Brandon Bollig.
Lincoln players have also made names for themselves in the NCAA Championship Game. Three former Stars have scored championship-winning overtime goals: Josh Langfeld, Grant Potulny and Colby Cohen.