Herd fall to Lincoln Stars in overtime, 4-3

Sioux Falls battled throughout the night, backed by strong goaltending from Linards Feldbergs and goals from Logan Renkowski, JJ Monteiro, and Jack Brauti, who recorded his first USHL career goal. The opening period was physical and fast-paced, featuring multiple penalties and strong goaltending on both ends, but no scoring. Lincoln took the first penalty at 5:06 for high-sticking, but the Herd were unable to capitalize on the power play.

Thomas Zocco was later called for holding at 9:23, though the Stampede penalty kill remained solid with Feldbergs standing tall in net. Sioux Falls appeared to score midway through the period, but the goal was waved off after review, ruling the puck had deflected off Joey Macrina’s hand. Another Lincoln penalty at 12:20 provided an opportunity, but again the Herd came up empty.

Sioux Falls outshot Lincoln 15-12 in the period. The Herd wasted no time in the second period, capitalizing just 34 seconds in after a Lincoln tripping penalty. Logan Renkowski opened the scoring with a one-timer from the faceoff circle off a pass from Ryder Betzold, with Jake Prunty also earning an assist.

JJ Monteiro extended the lead to 2-0 at 4:57, burying a rebound from Wade Weil. Lincoln responded late in the period, scoring at 13:00 to cut the deficit, then tying the game shortly after on a power play following Joe McGraw’s second penalty of the night. The period ended with the teams even at 2-2, with Sioux Falls outshooting Lincoln 12-11.