Lancers Weekly; Balanced Scoring Powers Team to Back-To-Back Wins
October 10, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Omaha Lancers News Release
Ralston, NE - The Omaha Lancers hit the road for four weeks after defeating Sioux Falls and Tri-City on Friday and Sunday in the team's only home games during the month of October. The Lancers travel to Fargo this weekend for a pair of contests against the Force on Friday and Saturday.
Need To Know:
* Friday night's win was career win number 100 for head coach Brian Kaufman
* The Lancers have scored power play goals in three straight games, tying last season's longest streak.
* 18 of the 21 skaters (85.7%) who have suited up for the Lancers this season have registered a point.
Last Week
Friday, October 7 vs Sioux Falls, W 6-3
Sunday, October 9 vs Tri-City, W 3-2
This Week
Friday, October 14 at Fargo
Saturday, October 15 at Fargo
The Week in Review
15 different players found the scoresheet and the third time was the charm at Ralston Arena in the 2016-17 season as the Omaha Lancers picked up the first win of the season defeating Sioux Falls 6-3 Friday night.
The game was only tied for 1:54 all night before Derek Hamelin gave the Lancers a 1-0 lead. After Hamelin's opening goal even strength hockey was rare. The teams combined for 90 penalty minutes and 19 power play opportunities. Omaha finished 3-for-11 with the man-advantage. Four consecutive goals from the Lancers, including Emilio Pettersen's eventual game-winner helped Omaha cruise to a 6-3 victory. The win was head coach Brian Kaufman's 100th career victory.
Sunday evening the Lancer power play helped the team jump out to an early lead once again. Omaha got the man-advantage less than two minutes in and quickly capitalized. Austin Alger cut around the back of the net and connected with Brannon McManus, who scored for the third straight game, giving the Lancers a 1-0 lead.
Tri-City would score the next two goals taking a 2-1 lead into the closing minutes of the second period. Jacob Paganelli caused a turnover late in the period that led to a two-on-one with Emilio Pettersen from the near blue line. Paganelli drew the defense to him before threading a pass to Pettersen. The Norwegian used the back-hand to tuck the puck past goaltender David Tomeo and tie the game at 1-1.
Off the ensuing draw Omaha kept the pressure on. Alger connected with Filip Rydstrom in front of the net and Rydstrom tapped the puck past Tomeo for his first career USHL goal and a 3-2 Lancer lead.
Peter Thome would stand tall in the third making ten saves, 24 for the game, and helping the Lancers come away with a 3-2 victory.
Week Ahead
The Lancers head to Fargo to take on the Force for the second and third times this season. Fargo played spoiler to the Lancers home opener defeating Omaha 7-3 on September 23.
Since opening night the Force have gone 2-2-0-0 losing back-to-back games to Waterloo and Sioux City before sweeping a pair with Dubuque last weekend. The Force have yet to win at Scheels Arena this season, while the Lancers have yet to win in two attempts on the road.
Jack Adams (4g, 3a) and Blake Lizottte (0g, 7a) are tied for the team lead with seven points. Former Lancer Hank Crone (2g, 2a) is one of four players on the roster with four points and tied for third.
Between the pipes Matthew Murray has played all five games this season for the Force posting a 3-2-0-0 record with a 2.42 goals against average and a 0.917 save percentage.
New Month, New Result
After being held scoreless in September the Lancer power play is 6-for-21 (28.6%) in the month of October. Power play markers in three consecutive games ties the season high from a year ago. Four of the six power play tallies have been scored by forward Brannon McManus.
Notable:
Forward Brannon McManus, defenseman Brenden Rons, and goaltender Jake Acton were all named to NHL Central Scouting's Players to Watch list as "C" rated players. The "C" rating slots them as potential fourth to sixth round picks in the coming NHL Draft.
McManus has scored goals in three consecutive games, something he did not do last season. Austin Alger has three multipoint games so far this season, tying his season total from a year ago. Eight different players recorded their first career USHL points on Friday against Sioux Falls.
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.
Be sure to follow the Lancers on Twitter @OmahaLancers and don't forget to "Like" the official "Omaha Lancers" page on Facebook.
United States Hockey League Stories from October 10, 2016
- Honoring Breast Cancer Patients, Survivors - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Paint the Ice with the Tri-City Storm this Thursday for Storm Fights Cancer Weekend - Tri-City Storm
- Lancers Weekly; Balanced Scoring Powers Team to Back-To-Back Wins - Omaha Lancers
- Anderson Makes Defensive Mark - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Tri-City Storm Readies for First "Storm Fights Cancer Weekend" - Tri-City Storm
- CCM Players of the Week - USHL
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