3 Goals in First Give Storm Win in Omaha
September 14, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release
OMAHA, Neb. - Three goals in the first period was enough for the Tri-City Storm on Sunday afternoon as they defeated the Omaha Lancers 3-1 in a preseason game at the Ralston Auxiliary Arena.
Chase Hatcher, Matt Freytag and Conner Valesano each found the back of the net for the Storm, while goaltender Alec Dillon made 34 saves and picked up a win in his first action of the preseason.
Tri-City broke through and took control of the game with three goals in the opening period. The team's first strike of the night came off the stick of Hatcher, who found a loose puck in the Omaha crease and backhanded it in, giving the Storm a 1-0 lead just under six minutes in.
Later in the period, with Jalen Schulz in the box serving a tripping penalty, the Storm scored their second short-handed goal of the preseason when forward Chase Berger found forward Matt Freytag open in front for a one-timer. Freytag put it up high and made it a 2-0 lead for Tri-City.
Just 1:26 later, the Storm pushed their lead to 3-0 when forward Conner Valesano dove for a puck in front of the net and redirected it past Omaha netminder Kris Oldham. Hatcher picked up the primary assist on the goal, while defenseman Cameron Spicer was credited with the secondary helper.
Both teams were held off the board in the middle frame, and the Lancers got closer in the third on a goal by forward Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, but Tri-City held their ground and won 3-1.
The game was a physical one, with the teams combining for a total of 19 power play opportunities.
The Storm now have a record of 4-0-1 in preseason play.
Tri-City has two more preseason games left on the slate when the head to Sioux City to take part in the Fall Classic West. Friday's game is against Des Moines at 1 p.m., while Saturday's matchup is with Fargo at 10 a.m.
The Storm will open the regular season in Lincoln on Sept. 26 in and return to Kearney for their home opener on Oct. 3 vs. Sioux Falls.
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United States Hockey League Stories from September 14, 2014
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- 3 Goals in First Give Storm Win in Omaha - Tri-City Storm
- Lancers Fall in Final Pre-Season Home Game 3-1 to Tri-City - Omaha Lancers
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