The Aftermath: Cebrian Nets Hat Trick in Storm Win
November 3, 2022 – United States Hockey League (USHL) – Tri-City Storm News Release
FARGO, ND. – The Tri-City Storm defeated the Fargo Force by a final score of 5-4 Thursday night at Scheels Arena. The Storm’s offense was powered by a three-goal performance from forward Kieran Cebrian. Ryan Smith and Artemi Nizameyev also scored in the victory for Tri-City. The Storm will return to action tomorrow night in a rematch with the Force. Puck drop for tomorrow’s battle at Scheels Arena is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.
Ryan Smith scored his second goal of the season at 4:33 of the 1st period to give Tri-City a 1-0 lead. The goal was netted on the powerplay, and was assisted by Tanner Adams and Graham Gamache. Anthony Menghini scored a powerplay goal less than two minutes later to tie the game at 1-1. Menghini’s goal was scored on the powerplay, and was assisted by Jacob Napier. Bret Link scored his second goal of the year at 9:18 of the period. Brasen Boser and Cole Knuble each notched an assist on the scoring play. The Force outshot the Storm 10-9 in Thursday’s 1st period, and the team carried a 2-1 lead into the 2nd period.
Kieran Cebrian tied the game for the Storm on a penalty shot at 6:21 of the 2nd period. Cebrian drew a penalty on a shorthanded scoring chance, and was awarded a penalty shot. The goal was the first penalty shot goal scored by any players in the USHL this season. The final goal of Thursday’s 2nd period was netted by Artemi Nizameyev with less than five seconds to play. The goal was scored unassisted, and was his first career USHL goal. The Storm was outshot 14-5 in the 2nd period, but entered the 3rd period with a 3-2 lead.
Mac Swanson scored his second goal of the season just over three minutes into the 3rd period to bring the game to a 3-3 tie. The goal was scored even strength, and was assisted by Cole Knuble. Kieran Cebrian notched his second goal of the game, and sixth goal of the season, at 5:27 of the 3rd period to give Tri-City the lead. The goal was scored on the powerplay, and was assisted by Sebastian Törnqvist, and Cameron O’Neill. Cebrian scored his third goal of the game, and seventh goal of the season, with four minutes remaining in Thursday’s game. The goal gave the Storm a 5-3 lead, and was assisted by Kaden Muir. Bret Link scored his second goal of the game, and third goal of the season, at 17:02 of the 3rd period to bring the Force within one goal of the Storm’s lead. Joe Palodichuk notched an assist on the scoring play. Storm goaltender Karlis Mezsargs made the final save of the night with less than five seconds to play to seal Tri-City’s road win. The Storm was outshot 8-7 in the 3rd period, and 32-21 overall in the game.
Karlis Mezsargs recorded the win in goal for the Storm after stopping 28 of Fargo’s 32 shots on net. Anton Castro picked up the loss in goal for Fargo after making 16 saves on 21 shots. Kieran Cebrian was named the First Star of the Game, and Tri-City improved to 5-5-0-0 in the victory. Tomorrow’s rematch will be the Storm’s final game at Scheels Arena during the 2022-2023 regular season.
Tri-City hits the ice again on Friday, November 4th, in a road game against the Fargo Force. Puck drop for the game is set for 7:05pm CT. Skate to www.StormHockey.com for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization. #StormAhead
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