SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sioux Falls Stampede opened a two-game, weekend series with a 4-1 loss to the Sioux City Muskeeters Friday night at the PREMIER Center. Garrett Pinoniemi scored the lone goal for the home team in the second period, but the I-29 rival was able to score twice on the power play. Jaxson Stauber made the start in net, stopping 28 of 32 shots.The Sioux City Musketeers grabbed the first goal of the game, as Ben Doran scored his third of the season at the 11:50 mark of the first. Ray Christy and Kirklan Irey assisted on the goal. Garrett Pinoniemi tied the game up with an assist from Evan Nause who found Pinoniemi streaking toward the net 6:35 into the second period.
Christian Jimenez was able to give the Musketeers the lead less than a minute later on the power play. David Gucciardi made the deficit two seven minutes after that, putting the Herd down 3-1 after two periods.
Joel Maata rounded out the scoring for his ninth goal of the season 15:46 in the third. The Musketeers finished 2 of 3 on the power play, while the Herd failed to net a goal on their two chances.
The Stampede drop to 12-16-3 on the season.
The Stampede will play tomorrow night in a rematch with their rivals with a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. Fans can catch the game streaming live at HockeyTV.com or listen live on KELO Radio 107.9 FM, 1320 AM or Kelo.com.
Jasen Robbennolt contributed to this report.
