Lancers Drop Preseason Opener, 4-3
September 11, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Omaha Lancers News Release
SIOUX CITY, IA - In the opening game of the 2013 USHL Fall Classic West, the Omaha Lancers were edged 4-3 by the Sioux Falls Stampede in the Lancers' first preseason action of the season Wednesday at the Tyson Events Center. With the loss, the Lancers fell to 0-1-0 in 2013 USHL exhibition action.
Omaha got out to a quick start when rookie centerman Tyler Vesel buried a shorthanded breakaway chance just eight minutes into the hockey game to stake the Lancers to a short-lived 1-0 lead. The unassisted marker was Vesel's first career USHL goal. Later in the first, Sioux Falls forward Keith Burchett leveled the score at 1-0 when the future Bowling Green forward took advantage of an Omaha turnover and slid the equalizer, his second goal of the preseason, past Lancers netminder Cole Bruns.
In the second period, the Stampede took control of the game, notching the first two of three unanswered goals, from Mike Buonincontri at 5:13 and Zeb Knutson at 12:19 respectively. Then in the third, an unassisted Conner Velasano marker at 12:59 extended the Sioux Falls lead to 4-1.
An Omaha response came late in the third, when Ryan Tait wired a burner of a wrist shot past Stampede backstop David Jacobson at 19:08 with Sam Wolfe picking up an assist on the play. Then, in the mandated, three-on-three overtime period, a league-determined feature of all 2013 USHL Fall Classic West games, 2012-13 Lancers leading scorer Jake Randolph pushed Omaha within a goal at 1:18 of the extra session, thanks to a slick centering feed from Vesel.
Bruns was solid in net to start the game for Omaha, making eight saves on ten shots faced in just under 30 minutes of playing time before rookie goaltender Atte Tolvanen took over midway through the second period, surrendering a pair of goals on the seven Stampede pucks directed his way.
Next up for the Lancers, it's an exhibition tilt with the hated Lincoln Stars as the 2013 USHL Fall Classic West continues Thursday at 4:00 pm at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City. Fans are encouraged to listen to the game via FASTHockey.com, beginning with the Valpak Pregame Show at 3:45 pm on Thursday.
In 2013-14, the five-time Anderson Cup and seven-time Clark Cup Champion Omaha Lancers drop the puck on their 28th season in the USHL. Season ticket packages for the Lancers' second campaign at the state-of-the-art Ralston Arena are available now starting at just $12.50 per game! To reserve your seats, contact the Lancers' ticket office today at 402-344-7825, extension 1, or log on to www.lancers.com for more information. Be sure to follow the Lancers on Twitter @OmahaLancers and don't forget to 'Like' the official "Omaha Lancers" fan page on Facebook.
United States Hockey League Stories from September 11, 2013
- Storm Subdued by Force in Fall Classic Opener - Tri-City Storm
- Phantoms Notebook: 2013 Preseason - Youngstown Phantoms
- Lancers Drop Preseason Opener, 4-3 - Omaha Lancers
- Stampede Top Lancers 4-2 at USHL Fall Classic West - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Tournament Weekend Approaches - Indiana Ice
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