Rush Topple Komets 5-2 on Battochio's 37 Save Effort
November 12, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush celebrated 'Military Appreciation Night' with a 5-2 victory over the Fort Wayne Komets at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center on Friday night. Rush winger Mike Vaskivuo led all players with three points, including the game-winning goal, and goaltender Danny Battochio made a season-high 37 saves for the win. The Rush and Komets square off again tomorrow at the RPCC and tickets are still available for the 7:05pm puck drop.
Netting the only goal of the first period was Rush rookie winger Anthony Perdicaro who was left with an easy back-door tap-in after tremendous stickhandling by Mike Vaskivuo led him past two Komet defenders.
The Rush doubled the lead at the 11:47 mark of the second period, converting on a 3-on-2 chance that culminated with Jeff Kyrzakos snapping home a one-timer from the slot. At the 13:07 mark, Jesse Schultz slid a pass to the right faceoff circle where Vaskivuo collected and fired a wrist shot to the top-right corner, giving the Rush a 3-0 lead. Just fourteen seconds after Vaskivuo's first goal in a Rush uniform, Chris Auger netted his first of the season, slamming home a rebound from the low slot. One minute and four seconds later, Shawn Limpright sprung Konrad Reeder on point-blank chance with a saucer pass, and the speedy center slid a shot through the pads of goaltender Kevin Beech for the 4-1 lead.
Nick Boucher stepped in for Beech in the third period, and despite an 18-3 shot advantage for the Komets, the two teams exchanged goals in the final frame. The first tally came at 7:25 on a goal from Jesse Schultz tapped home a backdoor pass from defenseman Carl Hudson who was set up by Vaskivuo for a 5-1 lead. Finally, the Komets collected a powerplay goal when Jamie Milam blasted a one-timer on net that was deflected home by Leo Thomas, bringing the game to its 5-2 final.
Other Rush News:
Season tickets for the 2011-12 season start at $412 and are available by calling (605) 716-PUCK (7825). Season ticket holders will receive complimentary tickets to both Rush preseason games as well as numerous other exclusive benefits.
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