KEARNEY, NE (KELO.com) — The Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey Club was unable to gain needed points in United States Hockey League Western Conference standings after a 5-4 loss to the Tri-City Storm Saturday evening. Marking goals for the Stampede were Sam Harris and Isaac Gordon, who each earned two goals.
After a tough loss Friday night, the Herd came to battle during Saturday’s matchup. Tri-City opened up the scoring with a goal 11:39 into the period. Fighting for points, Sam Harris answered Daimon Gardner’s goal with one of his own on a late-in-the-period powerplay. Harris’ goal marked assists for Maddox Fleming and JJ Wiebusch.
The Herd had some fighting to do during the second period after allowing two goals into Caleb Heil’s net before scoring one of their own. Sam Harris marked his second goal of the evening with 1:29 to play in the period. His second goal also earned Fleming his second assist of the night, as well as tallying one for Alex Rybakov.
The final frame of competition saw five goals across the two teams. Isaac Gordon earned himself two goals, the first 5:44 into the period on the five-on-three powerplay from Max Rud and Sam Harris. Tri-City then scored two goals before Gordon was able to get his second at the 15:47 mark from Will McDonough. Closing out the game, the Herd pulled Caleb Heil to earn an extra attacker but ended up with the Storm sliding in an empty-net goal with 1:05 left to play.
Goaltender Caleb Heil marked his first loss while between the pipes for the Stampede. Heil is now 3-1-0 during his four starts and five appearances in the blue and gold.
Tonight’s game earned two Stampede players spots in the Stampede record books. Captain Cole Miller played in both his 100th USHL game and his 100th game as a Stampede defenseman. Maddox Fleming also inked his name as he played his 100th game as a Stampede forward.
The Herd heads back to Sioux Falls as they prepare to play four home games in two weekends at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. April 7th against the Waterloo Black Hawks will celebrate the Stampede billet families who have opened their homes to the Herd this season. April 8th versus Tri-City will also be a celebration, including an Easter Trail and a slate of fun spring events. Tickets for the final five, regular-season home games are available for purchase by calling or stopping by the Stampede office or the KELOland box office.
