
Storm Drops Opening Game of Series 3-1
April 20, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release
FARGO, ND- The Tri-City Storm dropped the opening game of the team's Western Conference Semifinal series against the Fargo Force by a final score of 3-1 Saturday night at Scheels Arena. Ryan Smith netted Tri-City's only goal during the 2nd period of the matchup. The series will resume on Monday with a 7:05pm CT puck drop at Scheels Arena.
Zam Plante gave the Force a one-goal advantage at 6:50 of Saturday's 1st period. Harper Bentz collected an assist on the scoring play. Michael La Starza scored his first goal of the postseason with under three minutes to play in the 1st period. The goal was netted on the powerplay, and was assisted by Mac Swanson and Michael Quinn. The Storm was outshot by a 15-7 margin during the 1st period, and trailed by two goals entering the 2nd period.
Ryan Smith netted the only goal of the 2nd period to bring Tri-City's deficit to one goal in the battle. The goal was Smith's first of the postseason, and was the Storm's first scoring play of the series. Artemi Nizameyev collected an assist on the scoring play. Fargo outshot Tri-City 17-8 in the 2nd period, and the Storm trailed by one goal entering Saturday's 3rd period.
The only goal of Saturday's final period was netted on the powerplay by Michael La Starza at 6:17 of the period. The scoring play was his second of the night, and gave the Force a 3-1 lead in the matchup. Mac Swanson and Leo Gruba each collected an assist on the scoring play. The Storm outshot the Force 9-8 during the 3rd period, but was outshot by an overall margin of 40-24 Saturday night. Tri-City fell by two goals to drop the opening game of the Best-Of-Five series.
Cameron Korpi made 37 saves on 40 shots and dropped the game in net for Tri-City. Hampton Slukynsky won the game in net for Fargo in a 23-save-on-24-shot performance.
The Storm hits the ice again on Monday, April 22nd, in a playoff game at Scheels Arena against the Fargo Force. Puck drop for the matchup is set for 7:05pm CT. Skate to www.StormHockey.com for playoff tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization. The Tri-City Storm is presented by Viaero Wireless.
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...
United States Hockey League Stories from April 20, 2024
- Saints Fall in Game 1 of Conference Semifinals - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Saints Drop Game 1 of East Semis - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Phantoms Swipe Game One Over Top-Seeded Dubuque 2-0 - Youngstown Phantoms
- Musketeers Take 2-0 Series Lead - Lincoln Stars
- Storm Drops Opening Game of Series 3-1 - Tri-City Storm
- Enter the USHL NHL Bracket Challenge - USHL
- Storm Set for Conference Semifinal Series against Force - Tri-City Storm
- Gameday Preview - Lincoln Stars
- Fighting Five: Saints Host Phantoms in Game 1 of Conference Semifinals - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Stars' Comeback Falls Short in Game 1 - Lincoln Stars
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Tri-City Storm Stories
- Waterloo Uses Trio of Third Period Goals to Seal Game 2 Win over Storm, Black Hawks Sweep Best-Of-Three Western Conference First Round Series
- Tri-City's Pradel, Simpson, Roed Make NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings
- Storm Face Elimination in Game Two of USHL Western Conference First Round Series Tuesday Night at Waterloo
- Dan Hoehne Named Goaltending Coach
- Kevin Clark Named Player Development Coach

