Lancers Fall in Fargo
September 30, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Omaha Lancers News Release
FARGO, ND. - The Omaha Lancers looked to brush off the results of the 2023 Fall Classic and were out to bounce the defending 2023 Anderson Cup Champion, Fargo Force. It would be a tall order to fill as the Force have a plethora of returners from the 2022-23 season, including top forward, Mac Swanson and starting goaltender, Anton Castro.
As for the Lancers, they picked up a new face between the pipes, Eric Olsson. Who played the duration of the 2023 USHL preseason with the Force, but was acquired this past Wednesday (9/27) in exchange for draft picks. He was set to start tonight's matchup against his former club.
Through 20 minutes of play, the Force had the Lancers out shot 12-6. But stellar goaltending by Olsson pushed the game into the intermission in a scoreless tie.
The Omaha penalty kill got to work as two Ryan Kusler cross-checking minors made the Lancers shorthanded, but left the opening period a perfect 2/2.
The Lancers kicked off the second period of play shorthanded for five minutes as Will Diamond picked up a five minute major and a game misconduct for spearing Michael LaStarza before the period was underway, leading to a goal 30 second later by LaStarza. Pulling the Force up 1-0 early in the period.
That was followed by another Fargo goal 13 minutes later off the stick of defenseman, Leo Gruba for his second goal of the year. Taking Fargo into the second break up 2-0.
The Lancers struggled getting pucks to the net as they tallied five second period shots, totaling 11 on the night through 40 minutes.
The third period led to another early goal for the Force as Zam Plante netted this third in as many games with Camden Shasby on the lone assists to make it a 3-0 game, which fizzled out to be the final score.
Eric Olsson played a solid game between the pipes turning aside 34 of 37 total shots. Handing him a 0.919 save percentage in his USHL debut.
The Lancers will be back in action Saturday, October 7th for their home opener back at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. Puck is set to drop with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 6:05PM CST. That game will be available on Mixlr and FloSports.
United States Hockey League Stories from September 30, 2023
- Phantom Offense Explodes for 12-0 Win Over Team USA - Youngstown Phantoms
- Lancers Fall in Fargo - Omaha Lancers
- The Aftermath: Storm Comeback Falls Short in Loss - Tri-City Storm
- Stampede Sinks Buccaneers in Overtime - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Storm Set to Host Musketeers at Viaero Center - Tri-City Storm
- Friday Rewind: Hat Tricks and a Shootout Highlight USHL Action - USHL
- Green Bay Stays Unbeaten - Green Bay Gamblers
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