2024 Clark Cup Finals: Mac Swanson Among Standouts From Game 1

The 2024 Clark Cup Finals got underway on Friday night, with the Fargo Force capturing a 3-1 victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Fargo jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period and outshot Dubuque 11-7 in the frame. 

The Saints got one back late in the second period to make it a one-goal game. However, the Force tallied an empty-net goal with 39 seconds left in regulation to seal the win.

Here's a look at the top performers from Friday's Game 1.

Mac Swanson (Fargo)

It has been a big week for Mac Swanson, who captured USHL Forward and Player of the Week honors. The North Dakota commit had just two shots on goal, but his last one was big for Fargo, providing the empty-netter as the proverbial dagger in Game 1.

Brandon Svoboda (Fargo)

Svoboda was in this game just last year with the Youngstown Phantoms, and his playoff experience paid dividends for the Force on Friday. The San Jose Sharks draft pick redirected Michael La Starza's shot from the high slot past Kevin Reidler to extend Fargo's lead in the first period. Svoboda also prevented Dubuque from entering the offensive zone, leading to his primary assist on Swanson's empty-net goal.

Joona Vaisanen (Dubuque)

Vaisanen finished tied for a team-high three shots on goal and was rewarded with his first postseason goal in the second period. The Finnish defenseman scored on a beautiful pass from below the net to bring the Fighting Saints back within a goal.

Hampton Slukynsky (Fargo)

Vaisanen's goal was the first that Slukynsky had allowed in the month of May. The last time the Los Angeles Kings draft pick gave up a goal was at the 13:54 mark of the third period in Game 3 against Sioux City. Slukynsky turned aside 22 of 23 shots on goal in Friday's game, including all 17 in the first and third periods.

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