SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) – The Sioux Falls Stampede dropped a 3-2 shootout decision to the Omaha Lancers at the PREMIER Center Sunday night.
The Stampede pulled ahead with two goals from Austin Heidemann and Jared Westcott, but a third period, two-goal surge by the Lancers forced overtime. Jaxson Stauber made the start in net, stopping 32 of 34 shots on net.
Two of the hottest team in the United States Hockey League battled it out on a Sunday afternoon. Austin Heidemann scored halfway through the first period from the top of the right circle for his eighth goal of the season and second in two nights. Cam MacDonald and Josh Phillips provided assists on the play.
Jared Westcott followed it up with his second goal in two nights for his fifteenth of the season 6:51 into the second period. The Lancers outshot the Stampede 17-16 up to that point in the game.
The Lancers, who were playing their third game in three days, took control of the third period, outshooting the Herd 16-2. Jack Randl scored on the power play at the 6:26 point of the third and Cole Kodsi scored his eighth of the season with 3:28 left in regulation to force overtime.
Neither time scored in the overtime period, despite a power play opportunity by the Herd with 1:12 left in the extra session. Stauber stopped two of four of the shootout attempts by the Lancers. Brian Carrabes scored for the Herd, but shots from Jakub Lewandowski, Westcott and Luke Weilandt failed to find the back of the net. Goaltender Jakub Dobes earned the win in net for the Lancers.
The Stampede move to 19-17-5 on the season and two points ahead of seventh place in the Western Conference standings.
The Sioux Falls Stampede return home for back-to-back games against the Lincoln Stars Friday and Saturday night at the PREMIER Center. Puck drop at 7:05 p.m. Fans can catch the game streaming live at HockeyTV.com or listen live on KELO Radio 107.9 FM, 1320 AM or Kelo.com.
(The Sioux Falls Stampede contributed this report.)
