Sioux Falls, S.D. – The United States Hockey League announced today that Thomas Zocco and Matthew Grimes have been named Forward of the Week and Defenseman of the Week, respectively.

Staten Island, N.Y., native Thomas Zocco earned USHL Forward of the Week honors for the first time in his career after recording a seven-point week. During the Stampede's three-in-three weekend, Zocco totaled three goals and four assists. His standout performance came Friday night, when he posted four points in the Stampede's 10–4 win over the Sioux City Musketeers.

Zocco has been a key offensive weapon for the Stampede this season, tallying 54 points in just 43 games. The 2006-born forward has recorded 17 goals and 37 assists, averaging 1.26 points per game. He not only leads the Stampede in scoring but also ranks fourth in the USHL. The right-handed forward has emerged as a surprising leader for the Herd.

Fellow New York native Matthew Grimes joins Zocco as the USHL Defenseman of the Week. The University of Minnesota commit recorded four points—two goals and two assists—over three games this past weekend. Grimes also posted a +3 rating during that stretch.

The three-year USHL veteran leads the Stampede with a +19 plus/minus rating and is tied for second among Stampede defensemen in scoring with 24 points (6g, 18a). The 2007-born defenseman has already reached career highs this season with 18 games remaining. Last season, Grimes recorded four goals and 10 assists in 58 games and has already surpassed that total this year.

Zocco and Grimes return to the ice Friday night in Omaha for a 7:05 p.m. matchup before returning to the PREMIER Center for the biggest home game of the year.

On Saturday at 6:05 p.m., the puck drops for the 19th Annual Sioux Nation Pet Clinic Wiener Dog Night. More information on this EPIC night can be found here.