Rush Win Ray Miron President's Cup With Double OT Win
May 5, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - Tuesday night marked a historical night for the Rapid City Rush and the town of Rapid City. The Rapid City Rush won the Ray Miron President's Cup and were crowned CHL Champions after a thrilling, double overtime victory over the Allen Americans in game 6. Les Reaney earned playoff MVP honors and assisted on the game-winning goal that was scored by Scott Wray with 32 seconds left in the second overtime. Rapid City becomes the fourth franchise to win claim the Championship in just the second season of existence.
"It's a phenomenal feeling," said Rich Hansen. "For all we went through last season, Joe [Ferras] brought back the core players and added a number of key components that led to the success this season. It's amazing, the amount of success this team has made with the jump from the inaugural season."
The Americans came storming out in the first period, taking a commanding 3-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Nino Musitelli was the first to light the lamp at the 2:15 mark on a shot that found its way short side. Bruce Graham gave the Americans a 2-0 lead at 16:11 on a wrist shot from the right circle. The Americans would extend the lead to 3-0 on a goal with just 28 seconds left in the opening period as Christian Gaudet slid a shot five-hole from a tough angle.
In the middle frame, Rapid City would cut the lead down to two, scoring the lone goal of the period. Jon Pelle cycled the puck down low to Blaine Jarvis who found Gio Flamminio cutting to the net, and Flamminio fired a one-timer home to make it 3-1.
In the final period, things looked as though they were headed to game 7, but the Rush collected a pair of goals just two minutes apart to tie the contest. The first came at 14:54 on a shot from Cody Bostock that was tipped home by Blaine Jarvis to cut the lead in half. Rapid City would complete the comeback at the 16:54 mark on a shot from Brendan Cook from along the goal line that ricocheted off of Chris Whitley and into the net to make it 3-3.
A total of 25 shots were fired on net in the first overtime period, but netminders Danny Battochio and Chris Whitley exchanged highlight-reel saves.
The game was headed to a third overtime, but the Rush had different ideas. Les Reaney broke into the offensive end and sailed a backhand pass that went off of Whitley's blocker and caromed off the body of Scott Wray and into the net for the Championship winning goal with just 32 seconds left in the second OT.
"I was so excited, I knew the puck was in," said Scott Wray. "I couldn't get my gear off quick enough. As soon as Rocky Mountain went down last year, I knew I was coming here because I knew Joe and the type of team he puts together. "Everything happens for a reason and with the familiarity with Joe and Desi [Mark DeSantis], everything was worth it. It's surreal right now."
Les Reaney earned Playoff MVP honors before Rush Captain Luke Fritshaw accepted the Ray Miron President's Cup from commissioner Duane Lewis. In all, 21 players on the roster collected their first professional championship, as well as Head Coach Joe Ferras and Assistant Coach Mark DeSantis. Luke Fritshaw picked up his second championship as he was a part of the UHL's Rockford IceHogs championship Run in 2006-07.
"Obviously it's a great accomplishment," said Reaney. "But it's nothing compared to winning the Cup as a team. Doing it with 21 of the best guys that I have ever played with makes this accomplishment that much sweeter."
The entire series schedule is as follows:
Ray Miron President's Cup Finals - Series "I" (best-of-7)
Allen Americans vs. Rapid City Rush
Game 1 - Fri., Apr. 23 - Allen at Rapid City (Americans W 4-1, Lead Series 1-0)
Game 2 - Sat., Apr. 24 - Allen at Rapid City (Rush OTW 5-4, Series Tied 1-1)
Game 3 - Wed., Apr. 28 - Rapid City at Allen (Americans W 5-2, Lead Series 2-1)
Game 4 - Fri., Apr. 30 - Rapid City at Allen (Rush W 4-2, Series Tied 2-2)
Game 5 - Sat., May 1 - Rapid City at Allen (Rush W 7-2, Lead Series 3-2)
Game 6 - Tue., May 4 - Allen at Rapid City (Rush OTW 4-3, Win Series 4-2)
Tickets are on sale now. Contact the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center at 1-800-GOT-MINE or gotmine.com. Discounted group rates are available through the Rush office at 605-716-PUCK (7825).
Other Rush News:
Now taking reservations for season tickets for the 2010 - 2011 Rush hockey season. For more information, contact the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825) or email tickets@rapidcityrush.com
Playoff group tickets are available and start at $15 for the President's Cup Finals. Contact the Rush office at 605.716.7825 for more information.
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from May 5, 2010
- Shots From The Point For May 5, 2010 (Playoff Edition) - CHL
- RiverKings Set To Support Autism Benefit Golf Tournament - Mississippi RiverKings
- Allen Loses 4-3 In Double Overtime To Rush - Allen Americans
- Oilers Maintain Historic Title Feat - Tulsa Oilers
- Rush Win Ray Miron President's Cup With Double OT Win - Rapid City Rush
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
