KEARNEY, NE (KELO.com) — The Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey Club fell to the Tri-City Storm, 7-4, during game one of the two-game series in Kearney, Neb. Friday evening. The duo will be back in action at Viaero Center Saturday evening at 7:05 p.m.
The Stampede were the leaders of the first period, netting two goals and not allowing any from the Storm. On the powerplay, Isaac Gordon opened the Herd’s scoring just seconds away from the halfway point of the period on assists from Sam Harris and Nick Ring. Noah Andersson then followed with just over two minutes remaining in the period. His fourth goal of the season was assisted by Jack Phelan and Clint Levens.
The second period was a different story for the matchup, with the Storm marking four goals in a row followed by one from the Stampede. Over the course of two-and-a-half minutes the Storm were able to net three goals to take the lead, 3-2. They found the net once more during the second period before Will McDonough earned the Stampede another goal on a breakaway with just over two minutes left in the period. The teams headed into the third period with a score of 4-3 in favor of Tri-City.
Tri-City continued to dominate after finding their groove in the second period, finding twine just 22 seconds into the third frame. They would net one more on the powerplay before Sam Harris answered back 9:26 into the period, also on a powerplay advantage. Harris’ 23rd goal this season was assisted by Nick Ring and Max Rud. This wouldn’t be enough to electrify the Herd as the Storm was able to capitalize on a Stampede empty net and cap the scoring at 7-4.
Xavier Medina was back in net for the Stampede after missing almost a month of play due to injury. He added the loss to his record, which now sits at 11-12-3 this season. Medina was able to stop 21 shots on his net for a save percentage of .778, dropping his season save percentage to .913.
The Stampede and Storm meet again on Saturday evening to close out this road series before the Herd heads back to Sioux Falls for a homestand on March 10 and 11. The team takes on the Waterloo Blackhawks on Friday and Fargo Force on Saturday. During Saturday’s matchup, Stampede country will be celebrating the team mascot, Stomp’s, birthday bash. Tickets for both games are available online or through the Stampede office.
