LINCOLN, NE (KELO.com) — The Sioux Falls Stampede hockey club earned a point in United States Hockey League play during a 6-5 overtime, shootout loss to the Lincoln Stars on Friday evening.
A split first period, one-to-one after 20 minutes, saw a goal from Sioux Falls’ Chris Pelosi to open the night. Pelosi’s fifth goal of the season was assisted by Isaac Gordon and Maxim Strbak. Lincoln’s Tanner Ludtke marked his first goal of the night with under five minutes left in the period.
The second period set the Stampede up with a one goal lead heading into the final period of regulation. Maddox Fleming earned the Herd’s second goal with an assist from Isaac Gordon and Max Rud on the powerplay. Around four minutes later, Tanner Ludtke marked his second goal of the night for Lincoln, tying the game once again. Finally, Zack Sharp and Tanner Bruender were able to connect for a third goal for the Stampede, Sharp’s fourth this season.
The third period lit up the scoreboard for both sides. Sam Harris earned the Stampede’s fourth goal, unassisted off the faceoff. Around 30 seconds later, the Stars were able to find the net on a shorthanded attempt from Jack Larrigan. To close the two-goal lead, the Stars’ Daniel Sambuco found another shorthanded goal, tying the game at four. The final scoring play for the Stampede came from Adam Zlnka, assisted by Ryan Gordon, on the powerplay with under four minutes to play in regulation. Henry Nelson tied the game back up at five with 2:15 left in regulation, ultimately sending the teams to overtime.
With limited scoring opportunities in the five-minute, overtime period, the score remained at five for both teams and the game went to a shootout. First on the lineup to shoot for the Herd was Sam Harris, who’s shot was saved by Lincoln’s Cameron Whitehead. The Stars’ Antonio Fernandez was able to find twine on his attempt, putting Lincoln up by one heading into the second round. Ryan Gordon and Boston Buckberger were both unable to capitalize on the shootout opportunities. The final round saw Maddox Fleming against Whitehead, with Whitehead ultimately saving the puck and ending the game.
The Stampede now head back to Sioux Falls for two more games this weekend. The team will rebrand on Saturday to become the Sioux Falls Fighting Wiener dogs and celebrate the 16th Annual Sioux Nation Pet Clinic Wiener Dog Night. Tickets for the event are limited and can be purchased online, in person at the Stampede office, or by calling in. Sunday afternoon, the Stampede play host to the Tri-City Storm and will be taking part in a 4:05 p.m. game on South Dakota Beef Night.
