1st Star: Justin Evans – University of Tampa (D1): 4 goals, 4 assists, 8 points in 2 games
The Tampa Spartans brought the thunder against the Miami Hurricanes during their first home games of the season with a 14-2 win on Friday and another 12-2 win on Saturday.
Tampa forward Justin Evans racked up eight points with four goals and four assists by the end of the weekend.
Evans finished game one with a hat trick, scoring one goal during the second period and two in the third. Justin assisted on the game-winning goal, sealing the Spartans' victory.
The blowout carried into the second game, as Evans tallied three points in the middle period, one goal, and two assists.
2nd Star: Ryan Andrews – University of Tampa (D1): 2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points in 2 games
As the Spartans dominated their weekend series against the Hurricanes, scoring 26 goals, another critical performance shone through. Forward Ryan Andrews scored two goals and assisted on six more goals, totaling eight points in two games.
Andrews collected five of his points during game one of the series. He scored his first goal in the last minute of the second period and assisted with four additional goals.
Game two started slow for the Spartans but picked up quickly in the second period, with Andrews leading the charge. He assisted on one goal and scored the seventh goal with 18 seconds left in the period.
Andrews said that his teammates are the reason he has been able to maintain his success so far this season and that as the team’s bond continues to grow, they are becoming more prepared for the upcoming games.
“Whether it’s on the ice or off, we have such a special group that allows us to feel confident no matter who we play,” Andrews said.
With the Spartans being the reigning CHS Division 1 tournament champions, Andrews said the biggest implementation they will continue this season is positive reinforcements.
“It all comes down to picking up your teammates when they are down and working with your line to better yourself each shift and each game. We know through this mindset it allows us to work towards our end goal, which is a national title,” Andrews said.
3rd Star: Grant Dietz – University of South Florida (D2): 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 points in 2 games
The University of South Florida Ice Bulls concluded their weekend series against the University of Central Florida, scraping by 3-2 on Friday and sweeping the Knights 5-1 on Saturday. Ice Bulls forward Grant Dietz scored two goals and assisted on four goals, tallying up six points by the end of the series.
Dietz started Friday night scoring within the first two minutes of the puck dropping, placing USF ahead 1-0. He racked up two assists during the game, with the last leading to USF’s game-winning goal.
The Ice Bull’s newcomer kept his momentum going into Saturday after adding a goal onto the scoreboard and assisted in the game's last two goals, closing out the night with another win under their belt.
USF head coach Joe Rhoads said he is thankful Dietz chose to be part of the team because when he hits the ice, “his motor never stops.”
“Even with the stuff he doesn’t do with the puck, he’s a critical part of our club. And the kids look up to him and they elevate their games because his game is elevated,” Rhoads said.
Rhoads said the Ice Bulls plan to continue focusing on the same fundamentals they have been working on throughout the season, especially on maintaining a winning attitude, as they prepare for their upcoming game against the University of Miami Hurricanes.
“We still have yet to lose in regulation and the kids remember that and they take that as a source of pride. And we will go into Miami not taking anybody lightly and focus on what we do best and that is to work hard and never give up,” Rhoads said.
ABOUT College Hockey South: Founded in 2008, College Hockey South is a 30-school, 50-team intercollegiate hockey conference spanning eight southeastern U.S. states that competes in AAU College Hockey. College Hockey South is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization.
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