FARGO, N.D. (KELO.com) — The Sioux Falls Stampede dropped their opener game of the new year 4-1 to the Fargo Force at SCHEELS Arena Saturday night. Defenseman Brent Johnson scored the lone goal for the Herd. Trent Burnham made the start between the pipes, stopping 24 of 27 shots on net.
In the seventh matchup between the two teams this season, the Fargo Force were able to collect the first goal of the game off the stick of Jeremy Davidson. Davidson reacted to a loose put in the goal crease and was able to put it past goaltender Trent Burnham a minute into the contest. Erik Bargholtz and Jacob Braccini provided the assists.
Six minutes later forward Sam Rhodes was able to dig a puck out of the corner of the offensive zone and provide a perfect pass to defenseman Brent Johnson for his third goal of the season. Johnson beat goaltender Brennan Boynton on the stick side to tie the game at one.
The Force however responded with three straight goals, with two coming in the third period, to defeat the Stampede 4-1. Forwards Aaron Huglen, Matt Crasa and Tyler Rollwagen all contributed for the tallies.
The Herd drops to 6-8-1 on the season after losing their third straight to the Fargo Force. The team returns to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center for a pair of games Friday and Saturday night against the Waterloo Black Hawks. Puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. both nights. Tickets available at any Ticketmaster outlet or the KELOLAND Box Office. Fans can also catch the game streaming live at HockeyTV.com or listen live on KELO Radio 107.9 FM, 1320 AM or Kelo.com.
(Jasen Robbennolt contributed to this report)
