Hershey, PA - The Stampede traveled to Hersheypark Arena this past weekend for a pair of games against Mid-Atlantic division rivals, the Hershey Cubs.

The series opened with a primetime matchup on Friday night. In the first game, it was the Cubs who would get out to an early lead, scoring the lone first period goal. The Cubs would extend their lead to three, scoring a pair of goals in the second period as well. As the final period got underway, the Cubs would again extend their lead before the Stampede answered back. Lex Roldan dashed the Cubs’ shutout hopes with an unassisted goal at the 4:38 mark. Just two minutes later, the Stampede would again cut their deficit with a goal scored by Eric Toth at the 6:54 mark, assisted by Will Kididis. As the Stampede looked to mount a late comeback, the Cubs would solidify their game one victory, scoring their fifth and final goal with just over two minutes remaining. The final tally on the night stood at 5-2.

Alexander Croy got the nod between the pipes for the Stampede and had a busy night, stopping 34 of 39 shots.

The two teams were back in action on Saturday as they host Cubs held their annual Teddy Bear Toss charity game. Looking to head into the holiday break with two extra points, the Stampede came out firing on all cylinders; however, despite plenty of scoring chances, the first period would end in a 0-0 draw. As the second period got underway, Lex Roldan would again open the scoring for the Stampede with an unassisted goal at the 4:14 mark. Not wanting to be outdone in their own barn, the Cubs would answer back with three second period goals of their own. Undeterred by the offensive push of the Cubs, the Stampede’s Eric Toth would cut the deficit to one with a goal at the 18:36 mark in the second period, assisted by recent acquisition, Bryson Miller. Just 28 seconds later, The Stampede would tie the game with a goal by Nick Botzenhart, assisted by Lex Roldan and Cameron Coogan.

As the final period got underway, the Stampede would regain the lead as Eric Toth scored an unassisted goal at the 1:25 mark, his second of the game. Not going away quietly, the Cubs would again tie the game up with a goal at the 6:53 mark. As the third period crossed the half-way point, the Stampede’s Thiago Jeronimo, recently acquired from the Columbus Mavericks, would score the Stampede’s fifth goal, and ultimately the game winner, unassisted at the 11:05 mark. The Stampede would hold onto this one-goal lead through the remainder of the period to secure a 5-4 victory.

Alex Croy once again got the start in net for the Stampede and stopped an outstanding 64 of 68 shots to take home the well deserved victory.

The Stampede will enjoy some time off as they head home for the holidays before returning to action at the Northern Cyclones Showcase January 6th - 9th in Hudson, NH.

Photo Credit: Lauren Gettel Photography