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USHL Sioux Falls Stampede

Stampede announce playoff schedule

April 1, 2009 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release


Sioux Falls, SD--The Sioux Falls Stampede announced their first round playoff schedule against the Lincoln Stars today. The Herd will open their best-of-five series at Lincoln on Friday, April 10th at 7:05 PM. Game 2 will take place on Saturday, April 11th at 7:05 PM.

The Herd will host Lincoln for Game 3 on Tuesday, April 14th at the Sioux Falls Arena at 7:05 PM and the same for Game 4, if necessary, on Friday, April 17th. Should there be a Game 5, it will take place on Saturday, April 18th in Lincoln. Tickets for the Stampede's first two playoff games will go on sale Thursday, April 2nd at 10 AM at the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster location.

Once again this season, the top four teams from each division qualify for the playoffs. The Stampede are the #4 seed in the West Division while Lincoln is the #1 seed. The winner of the series will face the winner of the Omaha/Fargo series in the West Division Finals. All series are a best-of-five format.

"The planning of the playoffs this year has been a challenge at best," said Stampede CEO Gary Weckwerth. "While we respect the Lincoln Stars for earning the top seed in the West Division, we are disappointed in them and the league in not supporting a different format to help more fans get to our home playoff game and assisting us in maximizing the only Friday we have open at the Arena."

The USHL requires all teams participating in the playoffs to complete the first round between April 7th and 18th. The Stampede were hoping to play one of their home games next weekend, but were unable to come to an agreement with Lincoln.

"The USHL suggests that teams use the 2-2-1 format, but we asked Lincoln to consider a home and home series over the five games, starting in Lincoln for Game #1 midweek, then Game #2 in Sioux Falls on Friday the 10th," said Weckwerth. "Lincoln refused to budge on that request, we asked the league to intervene, which they did. The commissioner ruled with the 2-2-1 format, we appealed that decision to the league's executive committee and they came back agreeing with Lincoln."

Because of other scheduled events at the Sioux Falls Arena on April 11th, the Stampede was unable to secure a potential game #3 on a weekend date.

"The Skyforce has that date for their final regular season home game," Weckwerth said. "I don't have a problem with that. My problem is with the league and the intent of playing the first round over a two week period was designed to help maximize weekend dates for both teams."

Below is the Stampede's first round playoff schedule against the Lincoln Stars. Season tickets holders should use tickets labeled Round 1, Game 1 for the game on April 14th and Round 1, Game 2 for the game on April 17th.

1ST ROUND PLAYOFF SCHEDULE VS LINCOLN

Game 1: Friday, April 10th @ Lincoln 7:05 PM

Game 2: Saturday, April 11th @ Lincoln 7:05 PM

Game 3: Tuesday, April 14th @ Sioux Falls 7:05 PM

*Game 4: Friday, April 17th @ Sioux Falls 7:05 PM

*Game 5: Saturday, April 18th @ Lincoln 7:05 PM

*if necessary

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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