FRISCO, TX – The Tri-City Storm dropped the opening game of the 2023 USHL Frosty Cup by a final score of 4-3 in overtime Thursday night at the Comerica Center. Graham Gamache, August Falloon, and Cameron O’Neill scored the Storm’s goals in the loss. Tri-City will battle Fargo tomorrow night in the second and final game of the Frosty Cup. Puck drop for tomorrow’s game is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.
Joe Palodichuk scored his fifth of the season at 7:37 of the 1st period to give the Force a 1-0 lead in the matchup. Leo Gruba and Mac Swanson each notched an assist on the goal. Palodichuk’s goal was scored on a five-on-three powerplay. The Storm answered back with three unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead in the game. Graham Gamache scored a shorthanded goal at 8:56 of the 1st period to bring the score to a 1-1 tie. The goal was Gamache’s 10th of the season, and was scored shorthanded. August Falloon scored his seventh goal of the year with six minutes left to play in the opening period to give Tri-City a one-goal lead. Falloon’s goal was assisted by Cameron O’Neill and Trevor Connelly. The final goal of Thursday’s 1st period was scored by Cameron O’Neill. O’Neill’s goal was netted at 15:54 of the period, and was assisted by Samo Meritähti and August Falloon. The Storm carried a 3-1 lead into the 2nd period.
Fargo answered back with consecutive goals to begin the 3rd period after each team was held off of the scoreboard during the 2nd period. Ty Henricks netted his sixth goal of the season at 1:52 of the period to bring Fargo within one goal of Tri-City’s lead. The goal was assisted by Jacob Napier and Harper Bentz. The Force tied the game at 8:49 of the 3rd period on a shorthanded goal scored by Charlie Russell. Russell’s goal was his ninth of the season and was assisted by Joe Palodichuk and Verner Miettinen. Cole Knuble scored his 17th goal of the season forty seconds into the overtime period to secure the victory for Fargo. Tri-City dropped to 16-13-1-3 in the loss.
Matej Marinov notched the victory in goal for Fargo. Cameron Korpi dropped the overtime decision in net for Tri-City. The Storm dropped to 1-2-1-0 in head-to-head matchups against the Force this season.
Tri-City hits the ice again on Friday, January 27th, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas against the Fargo Force. Puck drop for both games is set for 7:05pm CT. Skate to www.StormHockey.com for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization.
