SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Fargo Force scored three times in the first period and played spoiler to the Stampede’s home opener in front of 7,634 fans at the PREMIER Center Saturday night. Nick Ring’s power play goal in the third period was the only goal of the night for the Stampede who lost despite outshooting the Force 31-25 on the night. The loss dropped the Herd to 3-2-1 on the season while Fargo improved to 4-1-1.
Opening night nerves may have played a factor in the first period as the Force scored two goals just 15 seconds apart to give Fargo a 2-0 lead 7:11 into the game. Later in the period, Fargo would go on their first power play of the night and took advantage, scoring at 14:03 when Anthony Menghini got open on the back door and tapped the puck past Stampede goaltender Jackson Irving for a 3-0 advantage. Despite being down by three, the Stampede outshot the Force 11-7.
The Herd were hoping to break through in the second, but it would be Fargo adding to their lead. Jakob Stender wristed a shot from the left point that went through traffic and into the back of the net for a 4-0 lead for the Force. Fargo outshot the Herd 13-12 in the period.
Sioux Falls was finally able to break through at 3:52 of the third period on a power play goal from Nick Ring. Max Rud slid the puck to the right circle for Ring who wristed a shot into the upper right-hand corner of the net to make it a 4-1 game. That would be as close as it would get as the Force would add an empty net goal late and take the game by a final of 5-1.
The Stampede return to action this Friday when they host the Waterloo Black Hawks at 7:05 PM at the PREMIER Center. It is also South Dakota Army National Guard Night
