Sioux Falls Stampede beat the USA U18 side 4-1 in their USAHL opener on Saturday. The visitors took all three points despite playing on home ice, while the American juniors opened their campaign with a defeat.
We had called for the away win with 65 per cent confidence before kick-off, and the result vindicated that assessment. The Stampede showed they could take their chances when it mattered, whereas the hosts struggled to create clear opportunities.
The hosts sit sixth on the table after one game with zero points, while the visitors occupy third place with a single victory. Both sides have played exactly one match, so the standings tell only part of the picture. The gap between them remains theoretical at this stage.
Sioux Falls Stampede come into this season following a run of results against Milwaukee-based opposition. They beat Madison Capitols 3-2 on Friday, and their previous outings showed mixed fortunes against Muskegon Lumberjacks. The USA U18 side have been involved in high-scoring affairs recently, including a 3-6 loss to Tri-City Storm in their most recent outing.
This result extends the Stampede's momentum while handing the American juniors their first defeat of the campaign. The hosts will need to respond if they want to climb the table. One game in, the opening round has already produced a clear favourite on paper.
