SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey Club earned two points during Friday night’s We Hate Winter Night matchup against the Lincoln Stars. The Stampede slotted four goals, versus the Stars’ three, winning with a goal from Chris Pelosi in overtime.
Lincoln started the score boards up 8:42 into the first period on a goal from Henry Nelson. There were few major events between Nelson’s goal and the last minute of the period, but that all came to an end when Sioux Falls forward Jaksen Panzer marked his seventh goal of the season, unassisted, with just five seconds left in the first frame.
A pair of minor penalties on Levens and Lincoln’s Keaton Peters were assessed halfway through the second period, setting up a few minutes on four-on-four hockey. A singular goal from the Stampede with Ryan Gordon’s eighth goal of the season, assisted by Noah Andersson and Clint Levens, set the team up by one heading into the second intermission.
A goal from Lincoln’s Tanner Ludtke, just 44 seconds into the third period, tied the game back up. The Stars were then able to capitalize again 5:11 into the period when Mason Marcellus found the back of Caleb Heil’s net, gaining the 3-2 lead. The back and forth period was completed with a goal from Will McDonough with 8:10 to go. McDonough’s eighth goal of the season earned Jaksen Panzer an assist and his second point of the night and sent the matchup into overtime.
The three-on-three overtime saw a fight to the finish from both teams. Ultimately, the Stampede were able to capitalize with their numbers and get Chris Pelosi his tenth goal of the season and the game-winning goal. The overtime goal also marked Adam Zlnka’s 14th assist of the season.
Caleb Heil got back into the blue and gold for the evening, marking his second win in his second United States Hockey League game. Heil marked 34 saves on the Stars’ 37 shots for a save percentage of .919. Both of Heil’s games as a Stampede goaltender have ended in overtime victories for the team.
Sam Harris joined the Stampede’s ranks of players who have marked 100 or more career USHL games during his start against Lincoln. Harris’ name is now within the lineup of Clint Levens (135), Maddox Fleming (121), and Max Rud (114).
This matchup is back in action on Saturday evening in Lincoln, Neb. for the second half of their home-and-home series. This series is the last between the two teams for the remainder of the USHL regular season.
