USHL Tri-City Storm

Tri-City Knocks off Des Moines on Road

Published on February 1, 2013 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release


DES MOINES, IA - The Tri-City Storm (18-19-4) scored early and never gave up the lead, defeating the Des Moines Buccaneers (19-21-2) 6-3 at Buccaneer Arena on Friday night.

11 different Storm forwards registered a point in the win, while Justin Quale made 28 saves on 31 shots in net and Cutler Martin had two assists.

It didn't take long for Tri-City to strike, as Ryan McMurphy found Tim Lappin on a two-on-one break and Lappin beat Des Moines goaltender Nick Ellis to make it 1-0 just 57 seconds into the game.

Later in the period, Trevor Mingoia made it 2-0 when he found a rebound off a Cutler Martin shot and put it past Ellis. It was the third goal of the season for Mingoia, who in addition to his normal forward role, played defense when his team was shorthanded with injuries on the back end.

After the Bucs made it 2-1 on a goal by Drew Callin, the Storm opened up a 3-1 lead when Trevor Moore found the back of the net with just 22 seconds left in the period. Assists on the goal were given to both Michael Vecchione and Tim Bonner.

For the second period, Des Moines pulled Ellis in favor of backup Billy Christopoulos.

An Ali Thomas goal at 2:47 of the second got Des Moines within one goal, but Tri-City responded late in the period when McMurphy scored his first goal of the season as time expired. Martin picked up the puck in the neutral zone and raced to the net as the closing seconds of the period ticked down. The defenseman threw the puck in front and McMurphy put the bouncing puck home.

In the third Tri-City never let off the gas pedal. Des Moines cut the lead to 4-3 with a goal by Tanner Karty at 6:36 of the third. This time it was Garrett Gamez who took a pass from Moore and put it past Christopoulos to make it 5-3.

The Storm's final tally came at 11:24 when Grant Opperman beat Christopoulos to make it 6-3. Jason Cotton and Gamez picked up asssits on the play.

For the second consecutive contest, Tri-City had a few players drop the gloves in what turned out to be a physical game. Forward Joel L'Esperance, Martin and defenseman Richard Buri each served penalties for fighting.

The Storm will have a week off before heading to Lincoln to face the Stars next Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Tri-City will be back at home on Feb. 9 to face the Fargo Force, also at 7:05.

Check out the Tri-City Storm Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 1, 2013


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