Men's Ice Hockey 10/30/2023 4:43:00 PM

STARS NAME 2023-24 CAPTAINS

JURCEV GETS 'C' WHILE MANGAN, PETERS AND JANVIRIYA ARE ALTERNATES

Prior to last weekend's games Lincoln Stars head coach Rocky Russo named his leadership group for the 2023-24 season. Defenseman Jimmy Jurcev is the captain while forwards Jared Mangan and Keaton Peters and defenseman Kai Janviriya are alternate captains.

"This year we had a host of guys who were in contention for the leadership roles," Russo said. "We wanted to let it happen organically. I didn't want to force the leadership on anybody and I wanted to see how things develop. I'm glad we were patient because if we weren't you might not see some of those guys who are in that leadership group."

Jurcev, 20, is in his second season with the Stars after appearing in 39 games a season ago. The Palos Heights, Ill. native recorded seven points (2+5) in the regular season before adding an assist in six postseason games. Jurcev is a Notre Dame commit and also previously played two years of junior hockey in the North American Hockey League with the New Mexico IceWolves from 2020-22.

"Jimmy Jurcev is mature," Russo said, "he's down to earth and he understands his identity as a player and as a person. He's the type of kid that wants to serve his teammates and wants to do what's best for the organization."

Mangan, 20, currently leads the Stars in goals (5) and points (9) through the first 10 games. He recorded the most points last season (36) of any player who returned to play for this season's team. The Charleston, S.C. native also posted 21 points (8+13) over his final 24 games last season and is committed to play at Clarkson University.

Peters, 19, scored the most goals (16) last season of any returner to this season's team. His 119 games in a Stars uniform are the most by any player over the last three seasons. The Sussex, Wis. native scored 10 goals in first 16 games of last season with nine of his overall goals coming at the Ice Box. Peters is a Northern Michigan commit and has played in all 12 of the Stars' playoff games in the last two seasons.

Janviriya, 18, is in his first campaign with the Stars after spending the last two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program. The Bloomfield Hills, Mich. native recorded 16 points (4+12) in 58 games in USHL play over the prior two seasons and was a first-round selection by the Stars in this past spring's USHL Phase II Draft.

Fans will get their first chance to see the Stars' new leadership group with their letters at home this Saturday when Lincoln hosts the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 6:05 p.m. It's Military Night at the Ice Box as the Stars will wear specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game. Proceeds will benefit the Nebraska Warriors and tickets can be purchased at lincolnstars.com

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