Men's Ice Hockey 9/25/2023 7:47:00 PM

JURCEV COMMITS TO NOTRE DAME

SECOND ACTIVE STAR TO COMMIT TO IRISH

Lincoln Stars defenseman Jimmy Jurcev has committed to play college hockey at the University of Notre Dame, an NCAA Division program in the Big Ten Conference.

Jurcev 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's first USHL goal on Feb. 11 was a memorable one as he netted the game-winner in a 5-4 road victory at Sioux Falls. The Stars' 6'5" 193-pound blueliner is the second Notre Dame commit on this season's team, joining forward Jack Larrigan.

"It's an honor to commit to the University of Notre Dame," Jurcev said. "I've been to the campus many times during youth hockey and everything about the school and athletic facilities is top notch. They have a long list of players who have been very successful professionals which shows how well their coaching staff develops players. I can't thank our coaches Rocky (Russo), Mike (Zannella), Artt (Brey), Curtis (Brown) and our general manager Nick Fabrizio enough for their effort towards my development. I'm excited to continue working with them and work towards winning the Clark Cup this year."

Jurcev previously played 91 games for the New Mexico Ice Wolves of the North American Hockey League from 2020-22. He recorded 18 points (1+17) in that time and was a plus-9 in his second season in New Mexico. Jurcev's most impressive season of junior hockey came in the 2019-20 campaign, when he recorded 31 points (8+23) in 56 games for Team Illinois 16U AAA.

Notre Dame went 16-16-5 in the 2022-23 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. The Fighting Irish made the NCAA Tournament in each of the prior six seasons that the tournament was held. Four former Stars are currently on Notre Dame's roster for the upcoming season (Brennan Ali, Jake Boltmann, Michael Mastrodomenico and Henry Nelson).

The Irish are led by head coach Jeff Jackson, who will begin his 19th season behind the bench this fall. He has led Notre Dame to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Frozen Four berths. Jackson has also captured eight conference championships and is the NCAA Division I leader in career wins among active head coaches.

"We are very proud to announce Jimmy's commitment to Notre Dame," Stars head coach Rocky Russo said. "Jimmy has been a consummate professional since he became a member of the stars family. He is the ultimate team guy that is willing to do anything he can to help the team win. He has worked relentlessly on his game and has earned the opportunity to be a student athlete at such a prestigious university as Notre Dame. I have no doubt that he will be a tremendous addition to Coach Jackson's team and an elite student for the academic community."

Jurcev and the Stars split their two games at the DICK'S Sporting Goods Fall Classic last week and do not play this coming weekend. Lincoln will play its first home games of the regular season on Oct. 7-8 against the Madison Capitols. Fans can purchase tickets to both games for a half-price value at lincolnstars.com.

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