Force Rout Stampede 5-1 Behind Kouhia
Fargo scored four third-period goals to beat Sioux Falls in USHL play before 7,861 fans.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Hockey
The Fargo Force defeated the Sioux Falls Stampede 5-1 in USHL action on Saturday. Lauri Kouhia scored his league-leading 14th goal of the season, and Tomass Rutulis made 23 saves for the win.
Why it matters
The victory extends Fargo's lead in the USHL standings, where the team now has 24 points and a 12-4 record. The result also keeps Fargo atop the league as the two sides prepare for a return meeting.
Rutulis improved to 2-2 with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. Kouhia's 14th goal leads the USHL, while Bryce Mattern added his 13th.
The players
Lauri Kouhia
Kouhia is a forward for the Fargo Force who leads the USHL with 14 goals this season.
Tomass Rutulis
Rutulis is the Fargo Force goaltender who made 23 saves in the win over Sioux Falls.
The details
Fargo scored four third-period goals to pull away from Sioux Falls. Melker Sigurd opened the scoring early in the second period, and Zac Zimmerman and AJ Garcia also found the net in the final frame.
Timeline
Saturday: Fargo defeated Sioux Falls 5-1.
Tuesday, 7:05 p.m.: Fargo plays at Sioux Falls.
Season Trajectory
Fargo's 12-4 record and league-leading 24 points put the Force at the top of the USHL standings this early in the season. The win over Sioux Falls strengthens its position as the division race takes shape.
Fargo's lead in the USHL standings gives fans of the Force a clear benchmark as the season progresses. Anyone tracking Kouhia or Rutulis can follow their output in the upcoming game at Sioux Falls.
The takeaway
Fargo's balanced scoring and strong goaltending have made it the USHL's top team early on. Tuesday's road game at Sioux Falls will show whether that form holds away from home.
What happens next
Fargo plays at Sioux Falls on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.
Further reading
Follow more USHL coverage in the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by INFORUM.
