Rush Top Sundogs 4-2 in Preseason Opener
October 9, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - On Saturday night, the Rapid City Rush and Arizona Sundogs squared off in the first of two preseason contests at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena. Powered by a three-goal first period, the Rush came away with a 4-2 victory in front of a crowd of 4,862. Rapid City's newcomer's made an impact as Ryan Menei and Jay Birnie accounted for a trio of goals while goaltender Jimmy Spratt made 33 saves on the night.
Rapid City opened the scoring just 5:37 into the game when Ryan Menei scored his first of the contest. Andrew Smale slid a pass to the high slot for Chris Chambers whose effort was stopped, but Menei was there to backhand a shot under the outstretched glove of goaltender Doug Groenestege. Just over a minute later, a hooking call on Joey Sides gave the Rush their first powerplay of the game. Rapid City was able to convert when Andrew Martin cycled the puck to Colt King who fired a pass through the crease to Jay Birnie who slammed it home. Finally, with less than three minutes remaining in the period, Menei struck for his second of the period on a laser to short side just under the crossbar, giving Rapid City a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes.
The Sundogs would get on the board with 1:29 remaining in the middle frame on a goal by Kevin Jarman. After an offensive zone faceoff win by Marc-Andre Labelle, Jarman fired a wrist shot from the top of the right circle, beating Spratt through the five-hole and cutting the lead to two.
In the third period, the Sundogs earned a five minute powerplay when Colt King was given a major for boarding, but the Rush penalty kill would be the first to strike. At 8:11, Derek LeBlanc took advantage of a neutral zone turnover, streaking down the left-wing side and roofing a shot short side for the shorthanded tally, regaining the three-goal lead. The Sundog powerplay wouldn't go to waste however, as Joel Irving lit the lamp at 12:46. Mark Kolanos slid the puck to Irving at the point, and the veteran took his time, getting to the high slot before firing a shot that deflected home to make it 4-2.
Each team picked up a powerplay goal on the night as the Rush went 1-for-3 while the Sundogs finished 1-for-6. The Sundogs outshot the Rush 35-27 in the game, including a 14-5 advantage in the second period.
Both teams will hit the ice again tomorrow at 6:05pm at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena. Tickets are still available for the contest.
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