Cedar Rapids RoughRiders begin USHL season with 3-2 OT loss to defending champ Fargo

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Hank Crone scored 1:21 into overtime to lift the Fargo Force past the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 3-2, Thursday morning at the USHL's Fall Classic.

The game served as the regular-season opener for both clubs. Fargo was last season's Clark Cup champion and returns several key players, including Detroit Red Wings draft pick Ryan O'Reilly, who had the game's first goal (on the power play) midway through the first period.

The Force had all four shots of overtime to win the game's shots on goal battle, 26-23. Ben Meyers had the assist on Crone's winner.

Grant Silianoff scored C.R.'s first goal of the season midway through the second period, with assists from Harrison Roy and Nathan Smith. Tyler Gratton scored at 8:39 of the third period to put Fargo back ahead, 2-1, but Ben Almquist tied things back up with 3:04 remaining in regulation with an unassisted power-play goal.

Blake Pietila took the tough-luck loss in net for the Riders. Ryan Bischel got the victory.

Cedar Rapids concludes its Fall Classic with a game Friday night against the Lincoln Stars. The event features all 17 USHL clubs playing two games each.

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