INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – The Clark Cup Finals have begun in the USHL between the West Division Champion Fargo Force, and their East Division counterparts, the Indiana Ice. Fargo had an impressive playoff run going 6-0 in their first two games against Omaha and Lincoln. The Force are only the second inaugural team in league history to make the finals, repeating the feat previously performed by Lincoln in the 1997 playoffs. Indiana on the other hand has played some of the most exciting playoff hockey in the sport this season. The Ice have won in five games and in four against Cedar Rapids and Green Bay. Fargo has been a pillar of strength the entire playoff season with clean, solid play. The Force have taken few penalties, and have played very smart by not taking costly penalties. Fargo has won by making their opponents play their game. Meanwhile, the Ice have played a different game. They have fed off of their opponents. The Ice may well be the most talented team in the USHL, and therein lays the largest issue with Indiana. On too many occasions, the Ice have beaten teams on talent alone, and have been quite successful in doing so. The only question remaining after Game 1 is; “What do the remaining games hold in store?” As the first period opened, both teams were fairly tentative. Neither team was willing to give up the first point to the other team, nor did they attempt to gain the lead themselves, therefore a defensive struggle ensued. Both goaltenders would have solid nights in the crease. Fargo netminder Mike Lee would be the busiest of the two by turning away eight shots on goal in the first period. Indiana would get the game rolling in the second period scoring at 7:19 while on the power play. Loren Barron’s lone shot of the evening would find the back of the net, and was assisted on the play by Max Cook and Zach Golembiewski. Despite the incredible offensive play by the Ice, and the opening goal of the series, Indiana would find itself overshadowed in the second period. Once again, Mike Lee earned first star honors by stopping 18 of 19 shots. Lee would end the evening with 33 saves. The opening of the third period for Indiana meant continuing to shut down the offensive assault of the Force. For Fargo, it was do or go down a game for the first time in the playoffs. Eamonn McDermott put the issue to rest at 9:31 of the third period when scored the game tying goal on assists from Andy Taranto and Chase Grant to give the Force their first goal of the finals. Both teams would put eleven shots on goal in the third period. Both goalies remained strong until the end, not giving an edge to their opponent. Despite shutting down the opposing offenses all night, the shots on goal can begin to takes its toll. The game would eventually set itself up for a heartbreak. In the end it would be Bennett who would take the loss. At the 19:22 mark, the game winner would be scored by the Force’s Steve Spinell to capture Game 1. Bennett would take the loss, and capture third star honors for his 28 saves throughout the evening. The Clark Cup has already shown promise to be an exciting match up. Both goalies are intent upon finishing the season on top and are supported well by their teammates. While limiting the shots on goal would be an essential improvement for the defense, credit should be handed out to the offense for placing over 30 shots on goal throughout the night. With the win, Fargo leads the series 1-0 with Game 2 Saturday evening at 7:05 in Indianapolis. Schedule and Results Game One – Fargo 2, Indiana 1 (Fargo leads series 1-0) Game Two – Saturday, May 2, 2009 @ 7:05 at Indiana Game Three – Wednesday, May 6, 2009 @ 7:05 at Fargo Game Four – Friday, May 8, 2009 @ 7:05 at Fargo, if necessary Game Five – Sunday, May 10, 2009 @ 5:05 at Indiana, if necessary Contact the author at John.Strathman@prohockeynews.com
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