Offense and Special Teams Slice Through Sioux City
Published on April 1, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Fargo Force News Release
Sioux City, IA - Fargo snapped their five-game losing streak Friday night against Sioux City by a score of 4-1. The Force were bottled up early by the Musketeers, but surged ahead as the game progressed, scoring four straight after giving up the first goal. Special teams were key as well with Fargo going 2-5 on the man advantage and shutting out Sioux City on all four of their power plays.
Anton Castro was nearly perfect for Fargo between the pipes stopping 16 of 17 shots, while Axel Mangbo made 6 saves on 9 shots for Sioux City The Force are now within just eight points of the Anderson Cup, the United States Hockey League's regular season champion. They move to 37-13-2-4 with 80 points. Sioux City falls to 25-25-2-3 with 55 points.
Sioux City's Kaden Shahan scored from the blue paint at 3:09, setting the tone early in the first period with a 1-0 lead. The fireworks from last night's contest carried into this game as Musketeer defenseman Easton Zueger got in his second fight in as many nights, this time with Charlie Russell at 10:50. Sioux City continued their offensive pressure, but the Force buckled down, preventing any further goals.
Fargo came out swinging to start the second period gaining momentum cycling the puck on the power play Just as the man advantage expired, Cole Knuble evened the game on a tap in pass from Owen Mehlenbacher at 4:42. Mehlenbacher tallied another point, this one a goal, tucking the puck around Sioux City goaltender Mangbo at 10:26, giving Fargo a 2-1 lead.
The Force continued their forechecking in the third, with extended zone pressure, despite being outshot by the Musketeers earlier in the game. The offense continued with a 5 on 3 goal by Verner Miettinen at 10:51, doubling the Force lead to 3-1. He received the assist from Mac Swanson, giving him helpers in three straight and four of his last five games. Sioux City pulled their goalie Mangbo, but Fargo Captain Kyle Smolen potted the empty net goal at 19:23, icing the game at 4-1.
The Force hit the road to Des Moines for a date with the Buccaneers on Friday, April 7 at 7pm CST, and match up in Waterloo on Saturday, April 8 at 6:05 pm CST. Games can be streamed on Flo Hockey and 101.9 Jack FM.
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