CHL Rapid City Rush

Rush Beat Thunder 5-3 For Eighth Straight Win

Published on December 12, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release


(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush continued to pick up the standings points with a 5-3 win over the Wichita Thunder on Friday night. The Rush celebrated a holiday-themed night with specialty jerseys as well as the second-annual Teddy bear Toss. A total of 1,219 teddy bears were thrown onto the ice and will be donated to Toys for Tots.

The Thunder would strike first when Kyle Bruce deflected a shot from captain Chris McAllister that found its way behind Rush goalie Danny Battochio for the game's first goal. The Rush would then receive a powerplay and convert on their first man-advantage of the contest. Scoring his 11th goal of the season was Brendan Cook who deflected a shot from Luke Erickson home low-blocker side of Wichita netminder Scott Campbell. With the assist, Wray extended his point streak to nine games which is a Rush season high. Shots for the first were 8-8.

In the second, Rapid City would gain their first lead of the game at the 6:47 mark when defenseman Jamie VanderVeeken fired a slapshot past Campbell. The powerplay goal was assisted by Les Reaney and gave the Rush a 2-1 lead. Nearly ten minutes later, the Rush would double the lead with their third powerplay goal, this time it was Jon Pelle who converted. Pelle fired a wrist shot to the top right corner to give the Rush a two-goal cushion. Brendon Hodge assisted on the goal which marked his 300th professional point.

Both teams exchanged a total of four goals in the final period and Joel Hanson started it off with a tally just 2:26 into the frame. The Rush answered back near the midway point when defenseman Dave Grimson slapped one home from the point for his second of the season. Just three minutes later, it was Wichita's Jason Woll who made it a one-goal game once again. Rapid City would put the game out of reach when Blaine Jarvis sprug Luke Erickson for a breakaway to make it 5-3. Erickson's goal was the 50th of his career.

Rapid City dominated in shots 45-22 as Danny Battochio made 19 saves on 22 shots to collect his 8th win of the year. Scott Campbell moves to 2-11-1 despite making 40 saves in the game. Wichita ended up 0-for-5 on the powerplay while the Rush went 3-for-9.

The two teams clash again tomorrow at 7:05pm. Tickets are still available.

Check out the Rapid City Rush Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2009


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