KEARNEY, Neb. – The Tri-City Storm (34-14-6) finished off a sweep of the Des Moines Buccaneers (21-19-13) with a 4-2 win at the Viaero Event Center on Saturday night.

Alec Dillon made 27 saves to earn the victory, while Tri-City got goals from Bobby Nardella, Vince Pedrie, Jake Wahlin and Cody Milan. Forward Dan Labosky added two assists in the win, and finished as the only Storm skater with a multi-point night.

Tri-City got out to a good start early and took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission on Nardella’s ninth goal of the season. Assisted by Kyle Eastman, Nardella free in between the circles and put the puck over Des Moines goalie Ryland Pashovitz for his second goal of the weekend.

Now with 37 points on the season, Nardella has tied the single season mark for a Storm defenseman, set by Chris Nathe during the 2002-03 season. The Notre Dame commit has also tied Nathe’s record for assists by a defenseman with 28, set in the same season.

Three straight second period goals pushed Tri-City’s lead to 4-0, giving them control of the game. First, Pedrie ripped a shot by Pashovitz’s glove at4:38, using Chase Berger as a screen in front. Both Labosky and Kevin Kerr were awarded assists on the play.

Next, Wahlin was set up in front by Mason Appleton for his 12th tally of the season at 16:32 of the middle frame. Chris Wilkie picked up the second helper for his team leading 48th point of the season.

Milan finished off the Storm scoring for the night, scoring on a one-timer from Labosky just 30 seconds after Wahlin’s goal. Milan now has 11 goals and 23 points while appearing in all 54 Storm games this season.

Des Moines made an attempt at a comeback, getting goals from Tanner Karty and Ryan Dmowski, to cut the Storm lead to 4-2 early in the third, but Tri-City was able to hold on for the victory.

Pashovitz made 23 saves for the Buccaneers in the loss. Despite being out-shot 11-3 in the first period by Tri-City, Des Moines edged the Storm 29-27 in shots on goal in the game.

The Storm sit in first place in the USHL’s Western Conference with 74 points and six games remaining in the regular season.

Tri-City continues their six-game homestand next weekend when the Fargo Force come to town for a weekend series. Friday’s game starts at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s contest begins at 7:05.

Notes: The Storm scratched forwards Matthew Freytag, Wade Allison and Nolan Aibel, along with defenseman Tory Dello…

 

SCORING SUMMARY

 

1st Period
Tri-City – Bobby Nardella (Kyle Eastman) 13:03

2nd Period

Tri-City – Vince Pedrie (Kevin Kerr, Dan Labosky) 4:38
Tri-City – Jake Wahlin (Mason Appleton, Chris Wilkie) 16:32
Tri-City – Cody Milan (Dan Labosky) 17:02
Des Moines – Tanner Karty (Miha Zajc, Vince Marinaro) 17:54

 

3rd Period
Des Moines – Ryan Dmowski (unassisted) 0:54

PENALTIES

 

1st Period
Des Moines – Chris Allemon – (Tripping), 2 min, 9:30
Tri-City – Jalen Schulz – (Checking From Behind), 2 min, 14:59

2nd Period
Tri-City – Kevin Kerr – (Tripping), 2 min, 7:50

3rd Period
Des Moines – Ara Nazarian – (Tripping), 2 min, 2:02

Power Play

Des Moines – 0/2

Tri-City – 0/2

Shots

Des Moines: 3, 15, 11 = Total: 29
Tri-City: 11, 12, 4 = Total: 28

Saves
Des Moines – Ryland Pashovitz – 23/27
Tri-City – Alec Dillon – 27/29