Tri-City Jumps to 2-0 Lead in USHL Clark Cup Final

The Tri-City Storm have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 2016 Clark Cup Final. After stealing two wins in Dubuque, the Storm returning home only needing one win to be crowned the 2016 United States Hockey League Champion.

Once again it was the Dubuque Fighting Saints that drew first blood. Dubuque's Carson Vance scored an unassisted goal at 6:21 in the 1st period. Tri-City fired eight shots on goal, and final scored their first goal of the game thanks to Wade Allison at 15:52, assists by Dan Labosky and Alex Limoges.

The Storm only tallied six shots on goal, but netted two goals during the second frame. Dan Labosky scored a short-handed goal at 3:17 with assist by Wade Allison. Then almost four minutes later, Allison scored his second goal of the night and Labosky earned his second assist.

Dubuque pulled to within in one goal with just 10 seconds left in the second period. Casey Johnson scored his second goal of the Clark Cup playoffs (19:50). Nathan Sucese earned the assist.

The third period was a scoreless affair for 18 minutes. At 17:44, the Saints pulled their goalie for the extra attacker, but the Storm scored the empty goal 44 seconds later (Labosky, unassisted). Tri-City held on for the 4-2 win, and lead the best-of-five Clark Cup Final 2-0.

Game 3 is schedule for Friday, May 20 in Karney, NE. If needed, Game 4 is Saturday in Nebraska. If Dubuque cal muster two wins, the series will return to Dubuque on Tuesday, May 24 for a winner-take-all game for the 2016 Clark Cup Championship.