NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Omaha Lancers

Comeback Effort Falls Short, Bucs Top Lancers 5-4 in OT

December 31, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Omaha Lancers News Release


Des Moines, IA - The Lancers erased a two-goal deficit on two different occasions, but it was the de ja vu as the Buccaneers scored in overtime to top Omaha 5-4 Friday night.

Greg Printz and Cole Gallant recorded their first goals as Lancers, and Alex Mehnert added two assists in the overtime loss.

Des Moines' David Keefer started the scoring just 3:46 into the first period. The Michigan State commit took a pass from Adam Parsells at the far blue line and walked in all alone on Tommy Nappier. Keefer snapped a low shot past Tommy Nappier, giving Des Moines a 1-0 lead. Keefer would double that lead just over seven minutes later on the power play. Sitting at the top of the left circle Keefer ripped a one-timer into the top corner of the net, catching Nappier moving across the crease to push the lead to 2-0.

Omaha wouldn't be held scoreless in the first period however. Given a chance on the man-advantage the Lancers power play unit made quick work. Derek Hamelin got a quick shot off the draw but Jan Ruzicka was able to make the initial save. Mitch Perrault then gathered in the rebound connecting with Greg Printz in front. Printz pushed the puck past Ruzicka scoring his first as a Lancer, and cutting the lead to 2-1.

Printz kept that momentum rolling right into the middle frame. The forward tied the game up with his second of the night a mere 0:26 into the period. It would stay tied at 2-2 until Chase Ellingson put the Bucs ahead with 4:08 to play in the middle period.

In the third that lead would again swell to a two-goal lead. Tommy Parrottino notched his seventh of the season just under seven minutes in and the Bucs were leading 4-2. Less than three minutes later Omaha answered back. Dan Petrick found Cole Gallant waiting on the far post, as the forward buried a one timer into the back of the net, cutting the lead to 4-3.

Just over three minutes after that the Lancers would fully erase the deficit. Pierce Crawford cut from behind the net into the right-hand corner. As he reached the goal line the forward threw a centering pass towards the crease. After being deflected the puck found its way past Ruziicka into the back of the net to tie the game at 4-4.

After no one could score in the final 7:16 of regulation the Lancers assured themselves a point and headed into overtime. In the extra frame Kobe Roth took advantage of an Omaha turnover and beat Tommy Nappier from the high slot to give the Bucs a 5-4 victory.

Nappier finished with 29 saves on 34 shots, while Ruzicka made 20 saves on 24 shots.

Omaha finishes up 2016 tomorrow night, December 31, as the Lancers take on the Sioux City Musketeers in Sioux City.

Season tickets are on sale now! Full, half, and military plans available with flexible, interest-free payment plans and exclusive benefits. For more information contact the Lancers Front Office at 402-344-7825, Ext. 1 or visit www.lancers.com.

Check out the Omaha Lancers Statistics

• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...

United States Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2016


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.

Other Recent Omaha Lancers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central