A Night of Momentum
The Sioux Falls Stampede opened the best‑of‑five Clark Cup Finals with a 3‑1 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks, taking an early series lead on home ice.
Joey Macrina was the offensive catalyst, striking twice to put the Stampede ahead, while J.J. Monteiro added an empty‑net marker in the third period to seal the win.
Between the pipes, Linards Feldbergs turned in a dominant performance, stopping 27 of 28 shots and preserving the lead after Drew Stewart’s shorthanded goal had briefly tied the game in the first period.
What It Means for the Series
The win gives Sioux Falls a strategic advantage, forcing Muskegon to rally in the next contest while relying on the depth of their roster and the confidence built from a strong defensive showing.
Coach Chuck Blanchard’s side will look to carry the momentum forward, knowing that each game in the series could hinge on special‑teams play and goaltending consistency.