The force was strong with both teams, but the Fargo Force squeaked out the win as the Indiana Ice were defeated 6-5 on Thursday night from Scheels Arena.

Indy fired a season-high 42 shot on net Brian Morgan (G,A), Robbie Baillargeon (G, A) and Matt Krug (2A) all logging two-point nights for the Ice.  Dalton Izyk recorded 21 saves in the contest.

Both teams combined for a staggering five goals in the first period, with Fargo taking a 1-0 lead midway through the opening frame.  The Ice countered the Force’s scoring attempt with two rapid-fire goals from Joe Fiala and Austin Ortega. 

Back-to-back goals by Dominic Toninato and Gabe Guertler gave Fargo a 3-2 lead heading into the first intermission.

The second period remained quiet outside of a lone power play tally by Baillargeon to knot the score a 3-3.  Earning assists on the marker were Krug and Izyk.

The goal light received yet another workout in the third period as both teams combined for five goals.

Morgan started the scoring parade a mere 84 seconds into the stanza off a feed from Austin Ortega and Zach Aman before Fargo rallied off three goals off the tape of Nate Arentz and two from Michael Booth.  Woody Hudson potted his third goal of the season with just under eight minutes remaining to finalize the score at 6-5.

The Indiana Ice continue their westward road trip on Friday and Saturday with games against the Sioux Falls Stampede and the Sioux City Musketeers, respectively.  The puck is set to drop for both games at 8 pm Eastern.

Hockey returns to Indianapolis on Saturday, October 20 as the Ice host the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 7:05 pm from Pan Am Plaza.  Indy opens the Bankers Life Fieldhouse portion of their schedule on Friday, November 9 against the defending Clark Cup Champion Green Bay Gamblers.  The game begins at 7:05 pm and is presented by BMO Harris Bank.