Campbell Returns With Two Goals To Give The Rush A 6-4 Win Over Thunder
March 2, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rush continued to roll on Tuesday, but not without a struggle as the Wichita Thunder came to battle. Rapid City got out to a 4-0 lead near the midway point, but the Thunder comeback fell short as the Rush came away with a 6-4 victory. Leading the way with two goals, including the game-winner, was Derek Campbell who appeared in his first game since a December 11th contest against the Thunder. Even with the close contest, the Rush dominated the shot column by a 48-18 edge. The Rush have now won four straight and extend their lead to six points in the Northern Conference.
The Rush came shooting out of the gate, dominating the first period shots 18-4 despite the lone powerplay of the period going to the Thunder. Rapid City also dominated the scoreboard beginning with the 15th goal of the season from Derek LeBlanc at 5:20 of the first. Rookie defenseman Dave Grimson found LeBlanc who stepped into the offensive end and after making a move to the high slot, fired a wrist shot to the top right corner. Les Reaney would extend the lead at the 8:30 mark on a shot that barely squeaked through the pads of Scott Campbell and over the goal line. Then with under four minutes left in the period, Derek Campbell netted his first goal since December 8th and gave the Rush a 3-0 lead. Colt King, on a strong individual effort, beat the Thunder defenders and centered a pass to Campbell who buried the low shot. After the Campbell goal, Thunder netminder Scott Campbell was relieved by Ian Keserich.
The offensive pressure continued into the second period as King would then net a goal of his own at the 11:38 mark. Scott Wray sent a puck to the side of the net for Blaine Jarvis who slid a no-look pass to King with a wide-open net to make it 4-0. However, just 16 seconds later, Neil Clark rattled home a rebound for his 7th of the year to get the Thunder on the board. Battling back just 1:18 later were the Rush to regain the four-goal advantage, again it was Campbell. Rich Hansen one-touched a Brendan Cook Pass to the slot where Campbell redirected it in five-hole for his second of the game and fourth of the season. The Thunder would then score a pair of goals late in the period to make it a contest. Tomas Klempa found the back of the net at 15:38, then Joel Hanson redirected a shot home with just over two minutes left in the period to make it a 5-3 game.
Less than eight minutes into the final period, Klempa netted his second of the game when he blasted a slapshot home on the short side to make it a one-goal game. With both sides exchanging chances, the Rush killed off a crucial 5-on-3 with just over three minutes left, allowing for Rich Hansen to score an empty net goal to secure the 6-4 win.
The Rush were unable to score on their lone powerplay of the game while holding the Thunder scoreless on five opportunities. Danny Battochio picked up his 25th victory of the season, inching him closer to the top of the CHL in that category.
The two teams faceoff again tomorrow, March 3rd at 6:35pm. Tickets are still available.
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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