The Tri-City Storm open this weekend’s action in the United States Hockey League holding on to the sixth and final playoff place in the Western Conference. That sets up a crucial weekend against tough competition for the Storm, which begins tonight when the Omaha Lancers come to the Viaero Events Center in Kearney. The Storm are one point behind Sioux City for fifth place in the West, but also are just two points ahead of Des Moines for sixth, with the Buccaneers having a game in hand. Tri-City is coming off a perfect home weekend, beating Fargo twice last Friday and Saturday. The Storm are hoping to even the season series against the Lancers at four wins apiece tonight, ahead of a Saturday night visit from defending Clark Cup champions Dubuque. Puck drop in Kearney tonight is set for 7:05.