Lincoln Stars edge Fargo Force in penalty shootout

The teams were tied 3-3 after regulation and overtime, requiring a shootout to decide the winner.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 5:10am

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The Fargo Force and Lincoln Stars faced off in a USHL matchup on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The game was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation and overtime, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. The Lincoln Stars emerged victorious in the shootout, defeating the Fargo Force 4-3.

Why it matters

The USHL is a premier junior hockey league, featuring some of the top young talent in North America. Games between divisional rivals like the Force and Stars are always highly anticipated, as the teams compete for playoff positioning and bragging rights.

The details

After the game ended in a 3-3 tie following regulation and overtime, the teams went to a penalty shootout to decide the winner. The Lincoln Stars were able to convert more of their shootout attempts, ultimately prevailing 4-3 over the Fargo Force.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • The teams will face off again, with the Stars playing the Sioux Falls Stampede on Thursday, February 26, 2026, and the Force taking on Sioux Falls on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Fargo Force

The Fargo Force are a junior ice hockey team that competes in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

Lincoln Stars

The Lincoln Stars are a junior ice hockey team that competes in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

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What’s next

The Stars and Force will both face the Sioux Falls Stampede in their next games, providing an opportunity for the teams to gain ground in the standings.

The takeaway

The close, hard-fought game between the Fargo Force and Lincoln Stars showcases the competitive nature of the USHL, where every point in the standings is crucial for teams vying for playoff positioning.