Lancers Blanked 4-0 by Dubuque in 2011 Fall Classic Opener
Published on September 21, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Omaha Lancers News Release
Sioux City, IA - Matt Morris recorded 20 saves as the Dubuque Fighting Saints blanked the Omaha Lancers 4-0 Wednesday afternoon at the IBP Ice Center in Sioux City, Iowa on Day 1 of the 2011 USHL Fall Classic. Dubuque is now 2-1-1 in the preseason while Omaha dipped to 1-2 in exhibition play.
Neither side was able to find the back of the net in the opening period despite a combined __ shots on goal. Omaha goaltender John Keeney was razor sharp denying all 10 Fighting Saints shots he faced in period one. Meanwhile, Dubuque netminder Matt Morris was equally as impressive turning aside the five Lancers shots he saw in the frame.
Dubuque broke the scoreless tie early in the second period though when Lawrence Cornellier found Eric Freschi alone in slot as Freschi fired home his second goal of the preseason. Cornellier and Kenny Matheson assisted on the even strength marker notched 1:41 into the middle period. The Fighting Saints doubled their lead 14:45 into the period when, while on the power play, Max Gardiner executed a slick move at the top of Keeney's goal crease before burying his first goal of the exhibition season. The unassisted man advantage marker was the first power play goal surrendered by the Lancers in 12 man-down scenarios this preseason. Dubuque increased its lead to a 3-0 advantage late in the second period when Mike Matheson's snap shot from the high slot found its way through traffic and eventually between the pads of Keeney. Kevin Morris earned the only assist on the five-on-five goal scored 17:15 into the middle stanza.
The Fighting Saints fired the final salvo 12:10 into the third period when Matt Youso stepped in from the left point before driving in his first goal of the preseason. Gardiner earned the only assist on the even strength marker, which capped Dubuque's 4-0 victory.
Morris earned the victory in goal for the Fighting Saints turning aside all 20 Omaha shots he faced. Meanwhile, Keeney suffered the setback for the Lancers despite 26 saves on 30 Dubuque shots.
The Lancers are back in action tomorrow morning when they continue their run through the 2011 Fall Classic with a 10 AM showdown with the U.S. National Team Developmental Program's Under-18 squad.
United States Hockey League Stories from September 21, 2011
- Youngstown Phantoms to Take Part in USHL Fall Classic - Youngstown Phantoms
- Lancers Blanked 4-0 by Dubuque in 2011 Fall Classic Opener - Omaha Lancers
- Fighting Saints Blank Omaha 4-0 at Fall Classic - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Stampede Top Bucs 4-1 at USHL Fall Classic - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Ice Head to "Fall Classic" this Weekend - Indiana Ice
- Fall Classic Opens Today Against Omaha - Dubuque Fighting Saints
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