Massa, Force take Game Two 4-1

Photo courtesy of mJoy Photography -->

The Fargo Force were led once again by goaltender Ryan Massa and picked up two big road wins to start the Clark Cup Finals in Green Bay.  Massa stopped 31 Gambler shots and even added an empty net goal late to put the exclamation point on the Force win.

Colten St. Clair added his second goal in the last two games on a slap shot that found Summerhays' 5-hole to give the Force a 1-0 lead in the 1st period.  St. Clair was assisted on the goal by future Minnesota Golden Gopher Nate Schmidt.

Green Bay tied the game quickly to start the second period but Fargo answered 5:13 later on a jab at a loose puck by John Stampohar.  Stampohar was assisted by Joe Rehkamp.  Garrett Allen gave the Force an insurance goal on the power play after wristing the puck over Green Bay goaltender on a feed from Matt Leitner. 

The game would remain 3-1 after a couple of close calls for Green Bay in the second and third period with a shot that rang the post in the second and a high sticking call that led to a "no goal" call in the third that upset the Gamblers' announcer.  Later in the third period, with the Green Bay net vacated, Ryan Massa would score an empty netter to put the icing on the cake.  Massa celebrated Teemu Selanne style after his goal which is a rare feat for any goaltender and deserving of a celebration but he was whistled for excessive celebration on the play.  Green Bay fans, announcer and goaltender Steve Summerhays took exception to Massa's celebration as the announcer and fans were livid and GB goaltender Summerhays apparently challenged Massa to no avail (according to the Gamblers' radio announcer). 

It definitely might make for another interesting homestand in Fargo at the Urban Plains Center.  I don't see why everyone has beef with Massa celebrating.  A goalie scoring an empty netter is a once in a lifetime feat, give him a break.  Not only did he score a goal, but it was also a goal in a championship series...  Very deserving of a celebration (Teemu Selanne style shown below).

Game Two Links
USHL Game Two Recap
Fargo Forum's story on Game Two
Fargo Hockey Examiner Recap
In-Forum Article