CHICAGO, IL — Two games at the Fall Classic played by the Stampede. Two games at the Fall Classic won by the Stampede. The Herd is heading into the second week of the regular season with four points won out of four points available, with its second game at the Fall Classic a much more complete outing than the first.

Out of the gate, it looked like the NTDP U18s were taking control of the game in the first period. Things took a turn in the Stampede's favor when NTDP U17 call-up Maverick McKinnon was called for tripping at the 14:34 mark, leading to veteran forward Ryder Betzold picking up the first power-play goal of the season for the Herd. The goal went to a review, as the NTDP would challenge for goalie interference, but the goal stood for Betzold's first of the year 15:32 into the game. From that point on, the Stampede would run the show, finishing the opening frame with 18 shots on goal.

Just 3:29 into the second period, first-year forward Matteo Alvarez stuck with the puck to net his first goal in the USHL. Matthew Portz would be called for a cross-check 9:36 into the period, but the NTDP's advantage would be cut short just 13 seconds into the power play as former Stampede defenseman Jake Prunty would be called for a slash. Wearing the C for the Herd during both games of the Fall Classic, Wade Weil scored his first of the season with 3:47 remaining in the second, giving the Stampede a 3-0 lead through 40 minutes.

The NTDP's Carter Morris would get the U18s on the board with his first USHL goal 4:17 into the final period, but Ryder Betzold would display outstanding individual effort en route to his second goal of the day just 31 seconds later. On the other side of the scoresheet, the game would turn physical, with 40 minutes of penalties handed out in the third period alone.
In net, Nate Chizik matched a career high in saves for the NTDP, stopping 47-of-51 shots from the Stampede in the loss. For the Herd, Edmonton Oilers goalie prospect Ryan Cameron would stop 25-of-26, picking up his first win with Sioux Falls in his first start in the blue and gold.

The Sioux Falls Stampede are back in action on Friday at the Viaero Center to take on the Tri-City Storm at 7:05 PM CT.
Don't miss your chance to be part of the Sioux Falls championship celebration at the Stampede's home opener on October 3 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The tailgate starts at 3:30 PM CT before the banner-raising ceremony and puck drop at 6 PM CT. The first 1,000 kids in attendance will receive a jersey giveaway, and the first 1,000 fans will receive a mini championship banner! Get your tickets now!