Reaney's Hat Trick Fuels Rapid City's 7-4 Win Over Wichita
January 2, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush claimed revenge on Saturday night, claiming a convincing 7-4 triumph over the Wichita Thunder. Les Reaney kicked off the New Year with a hat trick and four-point performance to pace all skaters. The Rush also received strong efforts from Josh Beaulieu who potted two goals and Scott Wray who finished with three assists. With the win, the Rush regain first place in the Turner Conference.
Rapid City came shooting out of the gate, earning a 2-0 lead just 2:33 into the contest. Opening the scoring was Josh Beaulieu who had a shot from Scott Kalinchuk deflect off of his body and in just 43 seconds into the game. Dave Grimson would add the second of the contest when he backhanded home a rebound from the top of the crease for his 3rd goal of the season. The Rush maintained the two-goal lead until Wichita's Matt Robinson scored a powerplay goal by batting a rebound out of midair, making it a 2-1 contest heading into the second period.
Midway through the second, Robinson would strike again to tie the score when he snapped a shot from the top of the right circle through the five-hole of Rush netminder Tim Boron. Despite Robinson's pair of goals, the Rush were able to regain their two goal lead going into the second intermission. Les Reaney picked up his first of three goals of the evening when he converted on a centering pass from veteran Scott Wray at the 17:20 mark. Finally, picking up his second of the evening after a flurry in front of the net, Josh Beaulieu was able to snap a wrist shot past the glove of goaltender Marty Magers to give the Rush a 4-2 lead.
The Rush continued the offensive barrage by scoring the first two goals of the third period. At the 6:09 mark, Reaney entered the zone and from the right circle, tucked a wrist shot under the crossbar for his second goal of the game. Just over a minute later, Derek Leblanc would find the back of the net when he flipped a shot from the bottom of the right circle to the short side. Not going down without a fight, the Thunder would make the game interesting as Bobby Hughes and Chris Greene would strike, pulling Wichita to within two with less than five minutes left. However, Reaney would complete the hat trick by poking home a rebound that sat at the top of the crease at the 17:23 mark, bringing the game to its 7-4 final.
The Rush will now take on the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and Allen Americans this Friday and Saturday at 7:05pm. Tickets are still available for both games.
Other Rush News:
Tickets for the 2010 - 11 Rush hockey season are on sale now. For more information, contact the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825) or email tickets@rapidcityrush.com
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.
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