Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Sioux Falls Stampede follow up their biggest game of the year with another special night. This weekend, the top two teams in the Western Conference will face off in a home-and-home series. The Stampede will host the second half of the series for their annual Pink in the Rink Night and wrap up their weekend hosting the Fargo Force in a Sunday matinee.
The Sioux Falls Stampede enter this weekend after earning a weekend sweep against the Fargo Force. On Friday night, they secured a 3-2 win with goals from
Reid Varkonyi,
Austin Baker, and
Ethan Wyttenbach. Newly added goaltender
Waylon Esche earned his second win with a 28-save performance. The Fighting Wiener Dogs followed up the win with a dominant performance. With just nine seconds remaining in the first period,
Javon Moore netted his 11th goal of the season on the team's first power play of the night. The Wiener Dogs added goals from
Noah Urness and
Matthew Grimes in the second period. At 1:24 of the third period, goaltenders Alan Lendak and
Aiden Wright dropped gloves at center ice before heading to the locker room. The Force scored their only goal of the night at 7:36 of the third period.
Gennadi Chaly added a power-play tally at 15:41 before
Alexei Vlasov and Joe Beliele each scored in the final minute. The 6-1 win got the Fighting Wiener Dogs back to their winning ways. The Stampede now sit four points behind the Lincoln Stars in the Western Conference.
The Lincoln Stars enter this weekend with a perfect in their last 10 games, sitting atop the Western Conference with 61 points. Last weekend, they swept the Omaha Lancers in a home-and-home series. On Friday night, they defeated the Lancers 6-1 after scoring three goals in the first period. In Omaha on Saturday, they earned a 7-2 win with a three-goal second period. The Stars will look to extend their lead over the Stampede with two wins.
The Fargo Force come to Sioux Falls after being swept by the Stampede in a home-and-home series. On Friday and Saturday, they will take on the Lancers in Omaha.
Saturday night is the Stampede's annual Pink in the Rink game. The first 1,000 fans at the game will receive a free Stampede hat, thanks to Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital. The team will honor those battling cancer and cancer survivors in a special Stomp Out Cancer pre-game ceremony. Along with wearing special jerseys, the Stampede will offer exclusive merchandise available only at the game.
Fans in attendance can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a game-worn jersey. Ticket prices are 1 for $10, 3 for $20, and 20 for $100. Half of the jerseys will be raffled off during the first intermission, with the remaining half raffled off in the second intermission. Jersey selection will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Voices Against Cancer. Throughout the night, the Stampede will take time to recognize those who have fought or are currently battling cancer.
On Sunday, the first 500 fans will receive a free Stampede beanie, thanks to Innovative Office Solutions. Additionally, the Great Plains Zoo will be on hand with some animals in section 119 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. After Sunday's game, the Stampede will host another Skate Party, so be sure to bring your skates!
Tickets for both games are available by calling the Stampede office at (605) 275-4625 or clicking
here.
