USHL hockey: Score a Gordie Howe hat trick for Hanson

Jared Hanson has notched a few hat tricks during his hockey career, but the Palmer native may have scored his first "Gordie Howe hat trick" on Thursday.

Hanson, who skates for the Lincoln Stars of the Tier I United States Hockey League, posted a goal, assist and 5-minute major for fighting during a 5-4 exhibition loss to Green Bay.

The "Gordie Howe hat trick" is named after the NHL legend who was known for both his physical play and scoring touch.

Hanson scored in the second to knot the score at 3, and recorded an assist early in the third.

Later in the final period, Hanson dropped the gloves and squared off with Green Bay's Max Hartner. According to "Black and Blue: The Unofficial Lincoln Stars Blog," Hanson won the scrap. There's a shot of Hanson completing his hat trick on the blog site, lincolnstarsblog.com, so check it out.

Hanson is off to a good start, sporting 1-3-4 totals in four exhibition games. He's also a +4.

Another Valley skater in the USHL, former Wasilla High and Alaska Avalanche forward Matthew Friese, is also off to a good start. Friese also has 1-3-4 totals in four games.

- Jeremiah Bartz