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USHL Tri-City Storm

Valesano Strikes Twice, Leads Storm to Game 1 Win

April 14, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release


OMAHA, Neb. - Conner Valesano's two goals were enough for the Tri-City Storm to defeat the Omaha Lancers 2-1 in Game 1 of the USHL's Western Conference Semifinal at the Ralston Arena on Tuesday night.

Storm goaltender Alec Dillon made 25 saves to earn the victory in a defensive game between the two in-state rivals. Defensemen Mattias Goransson and Vince Pedrie each had assists on Valesano's goals.

Valesano gave Tri-City the lead in the opening period, scoring the first goal of the playoff season on a face-off win. The Duluth, Minn. native won the draw back to Goransson for a shot to the net and got in position to deflect it past Omaha goaltender Kris Oldham to give the Storm a 1-0 lead after the first period.

The center then extended the lead in the middle period, scoring as his team finished killing off a penalty. The infraction had been to Pedrie for slashing. As the defenseman exited the box, the puck was shot wide of the Tri-City net by Omaha, with the rebound caroming right to Pedrie in neutral ice.

Pedrie, a Penn State commit, found Valesano on the left wing with a pass, and the forward unleashed a quick wrist shot over Oldham's left shoulder and into the top corner of the net.

The Lancers got on the board with a tally from Anthony Angello at 15:00 of the second to make it 2-1.

But the two Valesano goals were enough for the Storm to hold off Omaha, holding the Lancers to just five shots in a scoreless third period.

Oldham stopped 21 shots for Omaha, while the Lancers outshot Tri-City 26-23.

The Western Conference Semifinal series continues on Thursday with Game 2 from Kearney at the Viaero Event Center. Game time is at 7:05 p.m.

Notes: The Storm scratched forwards Matthew Freytag and Nolan Aibel, along with defenseman Jason Krych.

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United States Hockey League Stories from April 14, 2015


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