Tri-City Nets Game-Winner Late, Drops Lancers 3-2
Published on January 27, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Omaha Lancers News Release
Omaha, Neb. - Adam Wilcox registered 30 saves and Michael Vecchione scored the game-winning goal with just 1:18 left in regulation as the Tri-City Storm defeated the Omaha Lancers 3-2 Friday evening in front of 3,877 fans at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. Following the setback, the Lancers dipped to 21-12-2 on the year and moved into a tie for first place in the Western Conference alongside the Lincoln Stars.
Tri-City grabbed the game's opening goal 14:25 into the first period when a three-on-two through neutral ice resulted in Brian Ward's first goal since rejoining the Storm after starting the year at Dartmouth College. Michael Vecchione and Trevor Moore assisted on the even strength tally, which marked the 20th time in 36 games this season that Tri-City has scored the game's first goal.
The Storm doubled their lead less than five minutes into the second period when Nick Lappin orchestrated a beautiful move on the left wing before sending in his team-leading 18th goal of the season. Kenny Brooks and Brad Schierhorn assisted on the even strength goal scored 4:56 into period two. Omaha trimmed Tri-City's lead in half less than seven minutes later when Casey Bailey won a battle for a loose puck atop the Storm goal crease before driving in his team-leading 18th goal of the season. Jimmy Murray and Nolan Zajac assisted on Bailey's even strength tally scored 12:12 into the second period, which extended Bailey's point streak to eight consecutive games.
The Lancers evened the game with just 1:43 left in regulation time when a forecheck below the goal line by Murray and Bailey led to a centering pass into the slot, which was promptly swatted home by Gozzo for his 15th goal of the season. The celebration was short-lived, however, as just 25 seconds later Tri-City netted the game-winning goal when Vecchione poured home his sixth goal of the season.
Wilcox earned the victory in net for the Storm after 30 saves on 32 shots on goal. With the win, Wilcox improved to 12-10 on the year and is now 2-1 head-to-head against the Lancers. Meanwhile, Thatcher Demko suffered the loss for Omaha after 14 saves on 17 shots.
The Lancers are back in action tomorrow evening when they head to Des Moines for a 7:05 PM showdown with the Buccaneers.
United States Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2012
- Wilcox Leads Storm to First-Ever Win at Civic - Tri-City Storm
- Stampede Fall in Sioux City - Sioux Falls Stampede
- O'Connor Spectacular, Phantoms Down Dubuque 3-2 - Youngstown Phantoms
- Tri-City Nets Game-Winner Late, Drops Lancers 3-2 - Omaha Lancers
- Jacks Build Late Lead But Fall in OT - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Phantoms Hang on for 3-2 Win Over Fighting Saints - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Fighting Saints Open Road Trip in Youngstown Tonight - Dubuque Fighting Saints
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.
