KEARNEY, NE – The Tri-City Storm saw its season-high eight-game winning streak come to an end in Friday’s 6-2 loss on home ice to the Sioux City Musketeers. Jake Richard and Trevor Connelly scored Tri-City’s goals in the defeat. The Storm will return to action tomorrow night in another home matchup against the Musketeers. Tomorrow’s game will serve as the Storm’s annual Kool-Aid night. Tri-City will wear specialty sweaters in the game that will be auctioned off following the contest. Puck drop for tomorrow night’s game at the Viaero Center is set for 7:05pm CT.
Easton Zueger scored the opening goal of Friday’s game at 6:14 of the 1st period. The goal was assisted by Ty Hanson, and the scoring play gave Sioux City a one-goal lead. Ryan Conmy netted his team-leading 30th goal of the year at 11:32 of the 2nd period to increase the Musketeers’ lead to two goals. Grant Slukynsky notched an assist on the play. The final goal of Friday’s 1st period was scored by Finn Loftus with just over one minute remaining. Loftus’ goal was his fifth of the season, and was assisted by Ty Hanson. Sioux City outshot Tri-City 11-8 during the 1st period, and the team carried a 3-0 lead into Friday’s middle period.
Jake Richard scored his team-leading 26th goal of the season at 10:17 of the 2nd period to bring the Storm within two goals of the Musketeers’ lead. The goal was assisted by Trevor Connelly. Ethan Gardula scored his first goal of the year with just under two minutes to play in the 2nd period to give Sioux City a 4-1 advantage in the contest. Kaden Shahan recorded an assist on the scoring play. The Storm outshot the Musketeers 10-5 during the 2nd period, but trailed 4-1 entering Friday’s 3rd period.
Grant Slukynsky scored his fifteenth goal of the year fifteen seconds into the 3rd period to give Sioux City a 5-1 lead in the battle. Ryan Conmy notched an assist on the scoring play. Max Strand scored his fifth goal of the year at 5:56 of the final period to give the Musketeers a four-goal lead in the game. Ben Poitras recorded an assist on the play. Trevor Connelly scored the final goal of Friday’s 3rd period for his sixteenth scoring play of the season. The goal was netted at 8:03 of the 3rd period, and was assisted by Philippe Blais-Savoie. Tri-City outshot Sioux City 8-7 in the 3rd period, and 26-23 overall in the matchup.
Patriks Bērziņš dropped the game in goal for the Storm after making 17 saves on 23 shots. Axel Mango recorded the win in goal for Sioux City after stopping 24 of Tri-City’s 26 shots on net during the matchup.
Tri-City hits the ice again on Saturday, March 18th, in a home game against the Sioux City Musketeers. 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. #StormAhead
