Rush Top Oilers In First Meeting
January 3, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush hosted the Tulsa Oilers for their first meeting, as well as the teams' first games of the New Year at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena. The Oilers had a disappointing first visit to Rapid City as the Rush came out on top, 4-2.
Tulsa found the back of the net early in the first period with Mike Mullen grabbing an even strength goal at the 4:58 mark in the period assisted by Sean Collins. The Oilers were able to put another point on the board at 16:14 with a goal from Jason Lawmaster who was assisted by Michel Beausoleil. It looked as though the Oilers would head to the dressing room up by 2 until Kyle Sheen fired a slapshot past Davis Parley with only 23 seconds left in the period, cutting the Oiler lead in half, 2-1.
The second period was a defensive showcase for Rapid City, especially for goaltender, Lanny Ramage. Ramage made many impressive saves as he was peppered with a total of 19 shots in the period. The Rush waited until late in the middle frame once again to make their offensive presence felt as Mark DeSantis found the back of the net at the 17:55 mark. DeSantis was assisted by Derek LeBlanc and Rob Dmytruk. Dymtruk and LeBlanc then went on to set up and assist a Gio Flamminio goal with only 13 seconds left on the clock. While the second period has historically been a struggle for the Rush, they ended the period on top, 3-2.
Rapid City maintained their lead in the third by continuing their strong defensive stand against the Oilers. While in the third period, the Rush only got off six shots, but they did manage to score an insurance goal. The late goal came from an empty netter by Jon Pelle at the 19:26 mark, solidifying the Rush win with a score of 4-2.
Final shots were 39-29 in favor of Tulsa while neither team was able to convert on the powerplay. Rush goaltender Lanny Ramage was named the number one star of the game for his 37-save effort as he picked up his second win of the season.
The Rush and Oilers face off again tomorrow at 7:05 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena.
At the game tomorrow, Gene Williams will sit behind the bench with Rapid City Head Coach Joe Ferras as an assistant coach. Gene won the auction item of "coach for a night" at the Rapid City Rush Inaugural Golf Tournament and will get to see all the action of an assistant coach as the Rush take on the Oilers.
Other Rush News:
The Rapid City Rush would like to invite fans to "The Rush Hour with Coach Joe Ferras" live at Boston's every Tuesday at 7pm. Weekly giveaways include signed, game-used sticks, signed pucks and Miller Light gear.
For more information on Rapid City Rush Hockey, log onto www.RapidCityRush.com or contact the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825).
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