Even with Mankato's Corey Leivermann still out from the hit he took a week earlier, the Fargo Force advanced to the USHL Clark Cup finals. In Saturday's series-clinching victory over Omaha, three Minnesota State recruits scored four goals. Chase Grant scored the game-winning goal as part of a three-goal third period (he also assisted on a goal). Matt Leitner added two goals, including an empty-netter, and J.P. Burkemper scored in the second period.
Grant is the Force's leading playoff scorer with seven goals and five assists in 12 games. Leitner has eight goals and three assists. Leivermann had four goals and two assists before his injury. Burkemper has a goal and two assists in five games.
Fargo will face the Green Bay Gamblers this week, although a starting date has yet to be determined. No word yet if Leivermann will be healthy enough to play in the finals.
UPDATE: The USHL finals will begin on Friday in Green Bay. Leivermann's status still appears to be up in the air.
"Corey wasn't only excited for the team winning but because he might get a chance to play in the finals," Force coach Steve Johnson said. "But that's still uncertain. He'll get involved in some activity this week and we'll see from there."
Meanwhile, in the NAHL, Mankato native Tyler Bruggeman and the St. Louis Bandits will be playing a deciding fifth game against the Topeka Roadrunners Monday night, with the winner advancing to the Robertson Cup championship tournament May 4-9 in Wenatchee, Wash.
Topeka won 4-1 on Saturday, with Bruggeman stopping 33 of 36 shots. On Friday, Bruggeman made 29 saves in a 4-1 St. Louis win.
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