Thunder Come Back To Complete Sweep Of Rush
Published on March 1, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush took on the Wichita Thunder in the second game of their doubleheader after dropping Friday night's game, 4-2. The Rush were hoping to turn things around in front of a sold out crowd at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena where they were celebrating Military Appreciation Night. After giving up the lead twice, the Rush would drop this game, 3-2.
The first period was action packed as both teams found their way onto the scoreboard. The Rush found the back of the net first as Derek LeBlanc placed the puck past Thunder goaltender, Krister Toews at the 3:51 mark in the first frame. LeBlanc was assisted by Rich Hansen who was able to feed LeBlanc on th back door for his 20th goal. Wichita would respond at 10:18 with a goal from Joel Hanson, who capitalized on a turnover in the Rapid City end. The Rush weren't done scoring in the period as Jamie VanderVeeken tallied an impressive goal, coming from just inside the blueline. VanderVeeken's 5th goal of the season came at 16:09 and was assisted by Kyle Sheen. Immediately following the goal, Rapid City's Ryan Hand and Wichita's Rob Stanfield dropped the gloves, inducing roars from the crowd at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
The period ended with Rapid City leading the Thunder, 2-1.
The middle frame was a strong defensive stand for both squads as neither tallied a goal in the period. Rapid City held the edge in shots ten to six. Each team had a powerplay chance in the period that ended just as the one before it with Rapid City maintaining their lead of 2-1.
Coming into tonight's game, the Thunder were 0-25-2 when trailing heading into the third period. The Thunder looked to change that ad they came out firing in the final frame. Marc Belanger found the back of the net at only 2:04 into the period, with help from Ben Boudreau. The Thunder weren't finished scoring for the period as Hanson would tally is second goal of the evening at the 8:03 mark into the period. Hanson was assisted by Jason Tessier and Bryan Nathe for the powerplay goal and eventual game-winner. Rapid City couldn't convert on any offensive chances and dropped the game to Wichita, 3-2.
The Rush will host the Amarillo Gorillas in a midweek doubleheader beginning on Tuesday, March 3. The puck will drop at 7:05 p.m. both nights at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena.
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).
Central Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2009
- Mudbugs Storm Past Thunder 4-1 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Former Teammates Doom Thunder - Wichita Thunder
- Thunder Come Back To Complete Sweep Of Rush - Rapid City Rush
- RiverKings Win Eighth Straight In Shootout - Mississippi RiverKings
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.
