Erickson's Two Third Period Goals Lift The Rush To Victory, 3-2
January 19, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - On Tuesday night, the Rapid City Rush and Amarillo Gorillas were, yet again, in a close battle that was undecided until the final moments. The Rush were held off the scoreboard for over forty-four minutes, but received a pair of third period goals from Luke Erickson who propelled the team to victory. Erickson's game-winning goal was scored with less than two minutes left and was the first lead for the Rush all game. With the win, Rapid City now moves to 25-9-1 and claims sole possession of first place of the Northern Conference.
For the second straight game, the Gorillas got on the board first with a goal at the 3:01 mark. Entering the offensive end with a 3-on-2 break, Erik Felde received a drop pass and fired a snapshot in short side for his 4th goal of the season. Just over a minute later, the Rush would answer back as the two player/assistants combined to even the score. Brendan Cook made a strong individual effort to play the puck down low to Scott Wray who battled off a defender and wrapped the puck in five-hole on Mike Brown.
Yet again, the Gorillas would strike early, this time it was the captain, Gordon Bell. Amarillo had a pair of chances in on Danny Battochio who made the initial saves, but a rebound to the slot was sent home by Bell to regain the lead.
The Rush were looking for a spark in the third period as they had been held off the scoresheet since the 4:14 mark of the 1st. Rapid City would receive that spark in a huge way while on the powerplay at the 8:34 mark. Les Reaney sidestepped a defenseman but lost the puck down low, resulting in both Gorillas defenders following the play. Reaney found a wide open Erickson who fired the puck in past Brown's blocker for the 2-2 tie. Nearly exactly 10 minutes later, Erickson would become the hero, collecting a goal with just 1:25 left in the game. Brendon Hodge found an open Erickson who snapped a puck blocker side from the same location to give Rapid City their first lead of the game. That would be all that the Rush needed as they would hold on for the 3-2 win.
Danny Battochio stopped 28 of 30 for his 15th win of the season while Mike Brown made 46 saves in the loss. The Rush returned to form as the penalty kill was a perfect 6-for-6, including nearly a full 5-on-3, while the powerplay was 1-for-4 on the night. Rapid City fired 49 shots on net, setting a new all-time high, topping the previous high of 48 set on New Year's Eve against the Gorillas.
Rapid City and Amarillo battle again tomorrow, January 20th at 6:35pm. Tickets are still available for the contest.
Other Rush News:
The Rapid City Rush Rushettes will be hosting their 2nd Annual Junior Rushettes Dance Camp. This season they are offering two separate dance camps; the first will be held Saturday, February 13th from 1 pm to 4 pm for girls ages 5 - 8 years old, and the second will be held Saturday, March 13th from 1 pm to 4 pm for 9 - 14 year olds. Each group will be invited to perform at center ice at that evening's Rush game. The cost for the camp is $55 and includes one FREE ticket to that night's Rush game, a camp tee-shirt, snack and 2010 Rushettes calendar. Registration forms are available online at www.RapidCityRush.com. Limited space is available and the deadline to register is February 5th, 2010. For more information, contact the Rush office at 605.716.7825.
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.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 19, 2010
- Erickson's Two Third Period Goals Lift The Rush To Victory, 3-2 - Rapid City Rush
- Amarillo Loses Nail Biter - Amarillo Gorillas
- RiverKings Trade Campbell For Wichita's Detulleo - Mississippi RiverKings
- Thunder Trades For Goal Scorer - Wichita Thunder
- Mudbugs Return For Two Home Games This Week - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- RiverKings Move Up In Coaches Poll - Mississippi RiverKings
- Odessa Stays #1 On Yellowbook CHL Coaches Poll - CHL
- Bucks Start Three Game Trip Wednesday In Colorado - Laredo Bucks
- Hockey Night At Windy City Grille Tonight - Mississippi RiverKings
- Missouri's Bill Vandermeer Voted Top Performance - CHL
- RiverKings Highlight Ducks Unlimited On January 23rd - Mississippi RiverKings
- Goalie Clinics To Be Held With RiverKings Goaltenders - Mississippi RiverKings
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