USHL Sioux Falls Stampede

Stampede End 2011 with 3-1 Victory Vs Bucs

Published on December 31, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release


Sioux Falls, SD--If an improved 2012 is the Sioux Falls Stampede's New Year's Resolution, then they certainly gave themselves a head start as they ended 2011 with a 3-1 win against the Des Moines Buccaneers Saturday night at the Arena on a special New Year's Eve tilt. The victory was the just the third for Sioux Falls in their last 8 games, but their second in three this week. Justin Selman, Austyn Young and Matt Van Voorhis each scored for the Herd (10-13-1), while goalie Charlie Lindgren stopped 30 of 31 shots. Tanner Karty had the lone goal for the Buccaneers (11-12-2). The Stampede are now 7-1-0 when scoring three or more goals in a game.

The game began with a glove-dropping doubleheader. Stampede forward Mitch Hughes and Des Moines forward Trent Samuels-Thomas went at it immediately after the puck drop, followed by a bout between Sioux Falls' Bryan Moore and Des Moines' Tanner Karty.

"We were just trying to set the tone early and let them know we were coming tonight," said captain Joe Lordo, who had an assist for the Stampede. "I think we proved it throughout the game."

Head Coach Kevin Hartzell seemed to agree the fights gave his team a positive jump.

"The fights energized us," said Coach Hartzell, adding, "Once the guys fought it was like the scores had been settled and both teams played a very clean hard-fought hockey game."

Herd forward Austyn Young would score the first goal of the game and his sixth goal of the year 8:06 into the opening period, one-timing the puck a few feet into the open net from inside the left circle. Des Moines entered the locker room scoreless despite two power play opportunities. Sioux Falls goalie Charlie Lindgren stopped all seven shots his way, including a beautiful glove deflection on a Des Moines one-on-one.

"He made a lot of big saves today," said Coach Hartzell. "He was the difference in the game and number one star without a doubt."

The Herd doubled their lead to 2-0 less than three minutes into the period when Justin Selman rocketed the puck between the legs of Des Moines goalie Christian Frey. Stampede fans would get to see their third fight of the night when Selman and Des Moines winger Kevin Irwin exchanged blows in front of the Sioux Falls penalty box. The Stampede advantage would grow to 3-0 with eight minutes remaining in the period thanks to a Matt Van Voorhis blast from the top of the point via Herd captain Joe Lordo. The goal came on the powerplay and was Van Voorhis' third goal of the season. Lindgren's shot at the shutout ended with 4:11 left when Tanner Karty poked a puck past the Herd goaltender. Lindgren would still turn aside 20 of 21 shots through the first two periods.

Each team would go scoreless in the final period, though Des Moines would have a chance to cut the lead in half with 1:53 remaining in the game when a Kent Sherrer slashing penalty gave the Bucs their sixth penalty. However, Charlie Lindgren and the rest of the Herd would be able to hold on for their second win of the week.

The Sioux Falls will go on to face the Omaha Lancers Wednesday night 7:05 PM at the Sioux Falls Arena. Pregame coverage with Jim Olander can be heard on KELO-AM 1320 and online at www.keloam.com starting at 6:40 PM. Tickets are still available at the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office.

Check out the Sioux Falls Stampede Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2011


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