Rapid City/Playoff Update

The USHL gave their presentation to Rapid City in an attempt to put a team in their new arena that will be built in time for the 08-09 season.

The USHL model is probably the safest of all leagues, Gasparini said. Generally, a minor professional league team needs a minimum budget of more than $2 million because of higher travel costs, health insurance, housing and player-agent agreements.

But Gasparini said USHL teams’ budgets average about $1 million.

“When you analyze that our ability to average the same number of fans per game of 3,000-plus tells you our business model is quite successful,” he said.

In the playoffs, Sioux Falls was the only team to advance after last night's games. The Stampede were able to sweep Lincoln and now wait to see who else makes it out of the West.

Waterloo took a commanding three games to one lead with their win over a shorthanded Chicago team. They will look to close out the series tonight at Young Arena.

Omaha kept their playoff hopes alive with a hard fought victory over Des Moines at 95KGGO Arena. These two teams continue their series on Friday in Omaha, and Des Moines needs just one more win to advance.

Tri-City scored the go ahead goal in the final minutes for the second consecutive game last night. This time though, it was Calle Ridderwall who was able to seal the deal for the Storm. The Storm and Muskies resume play tonight, and will play game five in Kearney tomorrow night.