
The top-seeded Stampede will face the fifth-seeded Lincoln in the Western Conference semifinals, adopting an underdog mentality despite their ranking. Coach Ryan Cruthers emphasizes the team's journey and determination to prove critics wrong.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) â The top-seeded Stampede are set to face number five Lincoln in the Western Conference semifinals. The Herd may sit in the top spot, but theyâre focused on embracing an underdog mentality.
âOur DNA as a team is we all feel like weâre underdogs,â head coach Ryan Cruthers said. âWeâve all either been cut or worked in lower leagues or whatever it is from the staff down so weâre taking an underdog mentality into a first place seed. Weâre excited about that. Weâre excited to prove people wrong.â
The Stampede are viewed as rather explosive by the rest of the league, comprised of a U-S-H-L high eight skaters with 40 plus points on the season.
âWeâre a super fast team, we like to play fast,â captain Logan Renkowski said. âWe call the neutral zone our speed zone so I think honing in on those little details in the neutral zone throughout the rest of this week is going to be harped on and itâs going to be a big piece of this series.â
Another big piece of the Herdâs success: goaltender Linards Feldbergs. The Latvia native posted a .910 regular season save percentage and ranks atop the league with 35 wins.
âI would say I have good puck play, whenever Iâm catching pucks, I just like to read the game,â Feldbergs said. âThatâs a big part of being a goalie, you have to be able to read and make a play.â
âWe do want to lessen his workload,â Cruthers said. âBut when you have the best goalie in the USHL back there you have to use him to your strengths and his strength has given our guys confidence to play their game and thatâs really what theyâve done all year.â
The Stampede now look to harness that confidence and skill theyâve displayed all season into a semifinal series win over the Stars.
âDonât forget what we did to get here and earn the first round bye,â Herd forward Thomas Zocco said. âDonât forget our swagger that we have and how good we are as a group. During playoffs, if something doesnât go your way, just be like a goldfish and let it go.â
Puck drop is set for 7:05pm on Friday and 4:05pm on Sunday at the PREMIER Center.
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The Stampede will face the fifth-seeded Lincoln in the Western Conference semifinals.
Coach Ryan Cruthers describes the team's mentality as underdog-focused, emphasizing their journey and desire to prove people wrong.
The Stampede are known for their explosive play, featuring eight skaters with over 40 points, and they emphasize speed in their gameplay.

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