ROOKIE NUMBERS: U17 forward JP Hurlbert (Allen, Texas) ranks in the top 15 of all USHL rookies in several categories. The University of Michigan commit is t-4th in goals (12), 12th in points (17), t-8th in points per game (0.85) and 3rd in shot percentage (30.8%) in only 20 games.

Hurlbert also leads all NTDP skaters in league-play in both goals and points. While he didn't add any points last weekend as the Under-17 Team played Muskegon, the Texas native scored in both games the weekend prior against Sioux Falls, who ranked first in the Western Conference at the time.

JJ'S JUICE: U17 defenseman JJ Marthaler (Superior, Wis.) posted three points on Friday night at the Lumberjacks' Trinity Health Arena, contributing to every U.S. goal in the contest. It was the first multi-point effort for the University of Minnesota Duluth commit, who finished +2 in the 7-3 loss.

Marthaler kicked off the game's scoring 6:17 in, skating into the left circle and firing past Shikhabutdin Gadzhiev for his first career goal. He added a pair of assists off two goals by Casey Mutryn (Norwell, Mass.). First, he worked the puck free along the half wall in the Muskegon zone to connect with Victor Plante (Hermantown, Minn.) and Mutryn, then rimmed the puck along the boards to Plante, who fed Mutryn for a toe-drag release.

Marthaler now ranks second amongst U17 blueliners in points with eight (1G-7A) and is t-5th amongst all NTDP defensemen.

SHORTY SURGE: U18 forward Andrew O'Neill (Fargo, N.D.) and U17 forward Casey Mutryn (Norwell, Mass.) each tallied a shorthanded goal in last Friday's games. It was the second shorty of the year for O'Neill, who's first came in a 3-0 shutout win over Youngstown in September, and Mutryn's first.

O'Neill's came late in the second period after Landon Hafele (Fairbanks, Alaska) won a puck battle behind the Youngstown cage and centered it to the University of North Dakota commit in the slot. He took the pass and ripped one over the blocker of Phantoms netminder Owen Lepak to push the U.S. ahead by a 4-3 margin in the back-and-forth contest.

The goal was the 6-2 forward's fifth overall of the year and second in USHL play, to keep him on pace to out-perform his U17 year.

Mutryn's was also a late marker, as he brought the U.S. within two against a sturdy Muskegon team, scoring 7:49 into the final stanza with a nice toe-drag release off a semi-breakaway created by Victor Plante (Hermantown, Minn.) after JJ Marthaler (Superior, Wis.) rimmed it along the boards.

The Boston College commit added a second goal and an assist for his second three-point game this year. His scores brought his season total to nine goals, and four in the USHL, all of which have been scored against the Lumberjacks.

THIRSTY THURSDAY: The NTDP and CJ's Brewing Co. are hosting "Thirsty Thursday" for Thursday night's tilt against Youngstown featuring $2 Coors Light drafts from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET inside USA Hockey Arena.

Fans can stick around after the final buzzer for the Post-Game Party at CJ's Brewing Co. to enjoy the same deal!

STAR WARS NIGHT: Do you feel the Force?!

This Friday, the NTDP hosts the Youngstown Phantoms for our Annual Star Wars Night to support Kroger & Gleaners Food Bank's mission to end hunger in our community. Fans can bring in non-perishable items or donate at the game for a chance to win special Team USA prizes and autographed memorabilia!

Plus, don't miss special Star Wars character appearances from our friends at Great Lakes Garrison, Great Lakes Base-Rebel Legion, Tra'cor Clan, The Dark Empire, Jedi Council and more!

STAY & SKATE: The Under-17 Team is set to host the NTDP's third Stay & Skate with the Team of the season after Friday night's game! Fans are welcome to join the guys and take the ice for the chance to meet and skate with the players.

Participants are required to wear a helmet and fans are encouraged to bring their own skates, as limited quantities are available at USA Hockey Arena's free skate rental. Sign in and grab a wrist band at Fan Assistance.