CHL Kansas City Mavericks

Mavericks Downed by Rapid City in Game One, 5-1

March 27, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


INDEPENDENCE, Missouri - The Missouri Mavericks were defeated 5-1by the Rapid City Rush Saturday night in Game 1 of the Northern Conference Semifinals at Independence Events Center. Mavericks' goaltender Charlie Effinger made 38 saves on the night, but four different Rush players scored in the third period. Jon Pelle had a pair of goals for Rapid City including an empty netter and goaltender Danny Battochio stopped 34 of 35 shots for his first playoff win. The game was also the first playoff game in franchise history for Rapid City.

The teams will square off again Sunday night at 7:05 at Independence Events Center. Tickets are still available by calling (866) 443-8849, going online to www.GetTIX.net or visiting the Independence Events Center Box Office.

The teams skated to a scoreless first period despite a number of chances for each squad. Mavericks' forward Bill Vandermeer was stopped point blank by Battochio on the Mavericks' first power play in the best scoring chance of the period, but neither goaltender gave up a goal in the first 20 minutes.

Jon Pelle finally unlocked the scoreless tie just past the midway point of the game when he banged home a rebound at 11:11 of the second period. Les Reaney (3 assists) and Cody Bostock (2 assists) each earned an assist on the play. Rapid City outshot the Mavericks 17-11 in the second, however the game remained just 1-0 through the first two periods.

It was all Rapid City in the final frame. Scott Wray and Brendan Cook scored for the Rush in the first 12:53 of the period, and Brett Hammond finally scored the Mavericks' first goal with the extra attacker at 15:04. Hammond's goal marked his second in two games and third goal overall in the playoffs. The Rush quickly answered and made it a 4-1 game on Derek Leblanc's goal at the 15:56 mark. Finally, Pelle scored into the empty net with 1:17 remaining to make it a 5-1 score.

Missouri was 0 for 3 on the power play and Rapid City finished 1 for 2 marking just the second power play goal scored against the Mavericks in 16 chances this post-season.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2010


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