Layne Loomer sits down to discuss his strong third season in Lincoln, the upcoming USHL playoffs and his commitment to Miami University
Layne Loomer has grown in each of his three seasons with the Lincoln Stars. The forward has seen his point totals rise from nine in year one to 40 in year two, and now to 59 with 12 games remaining during the 2025-26 season.
Loomer joined Lincoln prior to the 2023-24 season, a move that has paid dividends in the point production and overall growth of the now 20-year-old forward. Through 50 games, Loomer has posted 22 goals and 37 assists, good for second among all Stars skaters and third overall in the United States Hockey League for total points.
“Being in Lincoln with the Stars the past three seasons has been great for me, I’ve loved every aspect of living and playing in Nebraska,” Loomer said during an interview on Wednesday. “I’ve developed more and got better each season. For me, it’s been great, going against such a high level of competition day in and day out.”
Through 50 games, the Stars sit fifth in the USHL's Western Conference, after posting a record of 22-23-4-1. The Stars are currently in the midst of playing three games in three days, having lost 3-0 to the first place Sioux Falls Stampede last night, before preparing for two games with the third-place Tri-City Storm. These three games will be a good test to see where the Stars’ game is at with under two months to go in the regular season.
“We’ve played them both quite a bit earlier in the season, so we know what to expect. They are huge points up for grabs, and we need them more than anyone else,” Loomer said. “We’ll be ready to go. I think it’s going to be a really good weekend.”
As for playing the right way, Loomer believes that the Stars’ game may just be hitting its stride at the perfect time.
“I think we are heading in the right direction with how we are putting together consistent 60-minute games,” Loomer said. “No matter who we play, game in and game out, we just need to play our game.”
That was shown during the past weekend, when the Stars took both games from the Fargo Force, first picking up a 4-2 win on Friday, then followed up with a 4-3 shootout win Saturday.
“The truth is right there in the pudding, just being able to win two in a row against a good team like Fargo,” Loomer said. “It shows our team’s resilience winning back-to-back and that we can beat anyone in this league.”
During the 2023-24 season, Loomer was selected to play for the Canada West Team at the World Junior “A” challenge taking place in Nova Scotia. Through six games, Loomer posted three goals and two assists, helping Canada West claim a gold medal.
“It was a great experience playing in Truro, Nova Scotia. It was so awesome to win gold,” Loomer said. “I played against the American team twice, which consisted of a lot of players I’d play with and against in the USHL. It was great to help give me a taste of what it would be like playing in the USHL.”
The Stars forward was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, being one of the few Canadians who make the jump to the USHL as opposed to playing junior hockey in Canada. The move was centered around Loomer’s future career aspirations.
“I’ve always wanted to play college hockey, so going to the USHL was the best path for me to develop and get myself ready for the NCAA,” Loomer said. “I’m so thankful to get the opportunity.”
The opportunity will come next season, as Loomer has committed to Miami University in Ohio to join the RedHawks’ hockey program.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to join Miami, join a team that’s growing and clearly moving in the right direction,” Loomer said. “I’m looking forward to playing the right way for Miami, being on campus and taking that next step in my hockey career. I’m looking forward to doing that as a RedHawk.”
With 12 games to go, Loomer is focused on helping the Stars close out the 2025-26 season strong before becoming a RedHawk for the foreseeable future.
“I want to help us continue to win games, gain momentum and set us up nicely for a run come playoff time. Just keep playing well, keep developing and growing as a player,” Loomer said. “Following this season, I want to have a really strong college career at Miami before earning my chance to turn professional.”
The Stars will travel on the road to take on the Storm in Tri-City on Friday night. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.