Belanger's Hat Trick Not Enough Against Rush
Published on December 12, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
RAPID CITY, SD- The Wichita Thunder lost 5-4 to the Rapid City Rush at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center on Saturday night. Scott Wray knocked a backdoor pass from Brendon Hodge beyond the reach of Jon Horrell at 3:23 in the first period to open a 1-0 lead for the Rush. At 10:12, Brendon Cook scored on a slapshot after walking into an open puck at the top of the right faceoff circle. Wichita climbed back into the game at 14:31 when Marc Belanger nailed a backhand shot past Miguel Beaudry, following a two-on-one with Kevin Truelson.
The Rush extended their lead in the second period, cashing in two more power plays. Derek LeBlanc used his body to deflect Jon Pelle's shot into the top corner of the net at 7:15 to give Rapid City a 3-1 lead. After Wichita was turned aside on their own power play late in the period, Les Reaney flipped a shot from the half wall past Jon Horrell with 9.6 seconds left to make it 4-1.
Marc Belanger scored twice in a span of 36 seconds to pull the Thunder within one. Belanger's first came on a wrist shot past Beaudry's left at 6:05. The right wing connected again at 6:41 on a backhand shot setup by Jason Deleurme from behind the net. Rapid City scored their fourth power play goal of the night at 10:28 when Brendon Hodge fired past Jon Horrell from the high slot. Jim Jorgensen snuck a close range shot over Beaudry's right shoulder at 14:19, once again making a one-goal game, but Wichita could not find the game-tying goal.
The Thunder went 0 for 9 on the power play, while Rapid City went 4 for 6. Seven of the Rush's 10 goals in the weekend series came on the man advantage. Belanger's hat trick was the first by a Thunder player this season. Belanger and Glenn Detulleo both finished a season-high +3. Beaudry earned the win, saving 28 of 32. Horrell absorbed the loss, stopping 25 of 30. Deleurme finished the game with two assists.
The Thunder heads to Colorado on Wednesday for a road match against the Eagles at 8:05 p.m. All the action can be heard worldwide at www.wichitathunder.com and www.allinbroadcasting.com The Thunder returns home on Friday, December 18th when they host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2009
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- Allen holds off Laredo and wins another at home 4-2 - Allen Americans
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- 'Bugs Finish Weekend Sweep of Mississippi - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
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