Stampede Blanked by Team USA at Fall Classic

SIOUX CITY, IA -- The Sioux Falls Stampede couldn’t solve the U.S. defense and goaltender Demko Thatcher, falling 4-0 to the U.S. Under-18 Development Program in the final day of the USHL Fall Classic in Sioux City. The Stampede finished the pre-season with a 1-4-0 mark. Two powerplay goals for Team USA proved to be the difference as Charlie Lindgren made 15 saves in two periods of work while Jan Obernesser stopped 5 of 7 shots during the third period.

Team USA grabbed the first goal of the game, scoring on the powerplay 5:07 into the game. Hudson Fasching took the puck from the right wing corner and skated through the slot, backhanding a shot through the pads of Stampede goaltender Charlie Lindgren to make it a 1-0 game. The Stampede tried to respond on the powerplay, but USA goalie, Thatcher Demko, shut the door. Team USA outshot the Herd, 8-5 in the period.

In the second, Team USA went on the powerplay and once again converted when Michael McCarron tipped in a shot from the left circle by Evan Allen at 10:52. The Herd swarmed the net in the period, but could not find a way to beat Demko and remained scoreless through two periods. Sioux Falls was 0-for-1 on the powerplay during the second and were outshot 9-7.

The Herd were hoping for a comeback in the third, but penalty trouble kept the Stampede out of the U.S. zone. Team USA scored two even strength goals to put the game away for good. Scott Savage scored 9:13 into the period unassisted when wristed a shot past Jan Obernesser who started the third period. Just over two minutes later, Team USA struck again when Tyler Kelleher scored on a give-and-go with Shane Eiserman. Kelleher broke down the left wing side and fed EIserman inside the right circle who gave the puck right back to Kelleher and put it back into the net to give the U.S. a commanding 4-0 lead. Team USA outshot the Stampede 24 to 15 on the night.

The Herd open regular season play this Friday, September 28^th in Lincoln against the Stars at 7:05 PM. The Stampede’s home opener is set for Friday, October 5^th at 7:05 PM against the Omaha Lancers. Individual game tickets are on sale now at the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office and any Ticketmaster location.

Courtesy:  Sioux Falls Stampede