CHL Rapid City Rush

King's Hat Trick Boosts Rapid City To 5-2 Victory Over Eagles

Published on March 1, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release


(Loveland, CO) - After three straight games decided by one goal, the Rush came away with a convincing 5-2 victory over the Eagles on Sunday night. The Rush were led by Colt King who posted the second hat trick of the season for the Rush and just the third all-time. Les Reaney paced all skaters with a five point night which included a shorthanded goal that served as the game-winner. With the win, the Rush end the regular season 6-3-1 against the Eagles and a 3-1-1 record at the BEC, an arena the Rush went winless in last season. Rapid City also extends the lead in the Northern Conference to four points with a game in hand.

For second time in as many nights, the Eagles were the first to get on the board, this time just 1:46 into the game. A tie up below the goal line allowed the Eagles to funnel the puck to the front of the net where Steve Haddon poked it past Battochio for the game's first goal. The Rush would answer back at the 5:04 mark off of a strong individual effort by Les Reaney. Reaney stepped past the Eagle defenders and when stopped on his attack to the net, Colt King was there to send home a rebound to tie it. King would strike again at the 12:14 mark on another goal set up by Reaney. As Dave Grimson made his way to the high slot, he moved the puck to Reaney who then found a wide-open King at the side of the net for the go-ahead goal. The Rush would extend the lead with less than two minutes left with the sixth shorthanded goal of the season. A cross-ice pass at the point by the Eagles was picked off by Reaney who raced his way into the offensive end and blasted a slapshot that found its way through Penner for the 3-1 lead.

After a four-goal first, the two teams combined for only one goal in the middle frame. The Eagles were able to cut the lead in half while on the powerplay when Ed McGrane sent a wrist shot through a screen and past Battochio at the 4:47 mark.

The Rush would own the final period with a pair of goals to put the game out of reach. The first came at 5:57, securing Colt King's first hat trick since the 2006-07 season while with the Port Huron Flags of the UHL. While on the powerplay, a cycle in the Eagles zone allowed Scott Wray to center a puck to King who fired a shot just over the left pad of Penner to make it a 4-2 game. Then at the 12:46 mark, Rich Hansen found Blaine Jarvis on the doorstep and the second-year pro redirected the puck five-hole to bring the game to its 5-2 final.

Danny Battochio stopped 24 shots for his 24th win of the season while Penner made 25 saves in the loss. The Rush ended the game with seven powerplay chances while the Eagles had six, both squads netted one powerplay goal. Rapid City finished with a slight edge in shots, 30-26.

The Rush now head home for a pair of games against the Wichita Thunder on Tuesday and Wednesday night at 6:35pm. Tickets are available for both contests.

Other Rush News:

Flex Packs are available for as little as $160, call the Rush office to learn more. Quarter and Half Season Ticket passes are available starting at just $100.

Group tickets are available and start at $11. Groups of 15 or more receive two complimentary tickets to the same game. Contact the Rush office at 605.716.7825 for more information.

Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2010


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