LINCOLN – The Tri-City Storm defeated the Lincoln Stars by a final score of 6-3 Friday night at the Ice Box in the team’s final road game of the regular season. Graham Gamache, Daimon Gardner, Alex Bump, Cale Ashcroft, Trevor Connelly, and Cameron Briere each scored a goal for the Storm in the victory. Tickets to tomorrow’s final game of the regular season at the Viaero Center, and to each of Tri-City’s games in the upcoming Clark Cup Playoffs, are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at www.StormHockey.com, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office at 308-338-8144. Puck drop for tomorrow’s final game of the regular season is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.
The lone goal of Friday’s opening period was netted on the powerplay by Graham Gamache. Gamache’s goal was scored at 13:27 of the 1st period, and was his twentieth scoring play of the year. Jake Richard and Seth Constance each notched an assist on the play. The Storm was outshot 16-9 in the 1st period, but carried a one-goal advantage into Friday’s middle period.
Jack Larrigan netted his fifth goal of the season at 6:45 of Friday’s 2nd period to tie the game at 1-1. The goal was scored shorthanded, and was assisted by Brennan Ali. Daimon Gardner gave Tri-City a 2-1 lead in the matchup with his twelfth goal of the year in the final two minutes of the 2nd period. Gardner’s even-strength goal was assisted by Evan Werner. Tri-City was outshot 11-8 during the middle period, but carried a 2-1 lead into Friday’s 3rd period.
The final period of Friday’s rivalry battle featured six total goals. The first was netted less than two minutes into the period by Cole Crusberg-Roseen to bring the game to a 2-2 tie. Mason Marcellus and Doug Grimes each recorded an assist on the scoring play. Alex Bump scored his 14th goal of the year at 4:13 of Friday’s 3rd period to give Tri-City a one-goal lead in the matchup. August Falloon and Charlie Kinsman each notched an assist on the scoring play. Cale Ashcroft scored a powerplay goal at 8:12 of the 3rd period to give the Storm a 4-2 lead. The goal was assisted by Graham Gamache, and Jake Richard, and was netted on the powerplay. Trevor Connelly scored a powerplay goal at 10:47 of the period to give Tri-City a three-goal lead. Tri-City’s final goal of the game was netted by Cameron Briere at 13:44 of the final period. Briere’s goal was the first of his USHL career, and was assisted by August Falloon. Boston Buckberger recorded his ninth goal of the year with less than two minutes to play to bring the Stars within three goals of the Storm’s lead. The goal was assisted by Wyatt Olson and Antonio Fernandez. Lincoln outshot Tri-City 11-10 during the final period, and 38-27 overall in the matchup.
Cameron Korpi turned away 35 of Lincoln’s 38 shots on goal during the battle to collect the win in net for the Storm. Cameron Whitehead recorded the loss in goal for the Stars after making 21 saves on 27 shots. Tri-City improved to 33-20-4-4 overall on the season in the victory. The Storm is 5-6-0-1 in head-to-head meetings against the Stars entering tomorrow’s season finale at the Viaero Center.
Tomorrow’s home game at the Viaero Center will serve as Tri-City’s annual Fan Appreciation Night and Boy Scout Night. The Storm will wear specialty sweaters during the matchup that will be auctioned off following the game. Doors will open early at 5:30pm CT to accommodate for the anticipated crowd. Throughout the game, random seats will be selected to win a variety of prizes from local businesses, gift cards, and team-autographed items.
Ticket specials for tomorrow’s regular season finale include a Rivalry 4-Pack presented by the Nebraska Lottery. The ticket package includes four tickets, four hotdogs, four sodas, and two Nebraska Lottery Scratch-Off tickets for only $40. Contact a member of the Storm sales staff for additional information.
Storm fans are encouraged to create signs of encouragement to hang in the locker room during the team’s run in the postseason. Signs can be brought inside the Viaero Center during Saturday’s game, or dropped off at the Viaero Center Box Office until Monday at 12:00pm CT.
Tri-City hits the ice again on Saturday, April 22nd, in a home game against the Lincoln Stars. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. Skate to www.StormHockey.com for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization.
