Thunder Storms Past Rush
Published on December 1, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder defeated the Rapid City Rush 8-3 at the INTRUST Bank Arena on Wednesday night.
Andrew Martens and Matt Robinson each scored twice, while the Thunder scored five or more goals for a third consecutive game for the first time since December of 2008. The eight goals were the most in a single-game by the Thunder at the INTRUST Bank Arena.
Already leading 2-1, the Thunder seized control of the game with a three-goal second period. Robinson battled a Rapid City defender one-on-one before taking a shot on goaltender Danny Battochio that created a rebound to the left of the crease. Robinson stayed with the play and slipped the loose puck behind Battochio at 6:18 to give Wichita a 3-1 advantage. Shortly after being released from the penalty box, Robin Richards scored from the left hashmark at 9:15 following a drop pass from Robinson. Martens connected on a one-timer from the right side of the slot at 17:21 to make it 5-1. The power play tally came against substitute goaltender Jimmy Spratt and followed a perfect pass from the left corner by Troy Schwab.
The Thunder stretched its run to seven unanswered goals with a three-score third period that put the game away. Schwab raced with the puck down the right wing boards before cutting to the net and beating Spratt glove side at 9:18. Robinson picked up his second goal of the night at 9:39, ripping a shot from the left circle just under the top-left corner of the net. Fighting heavy pressure from behind, Aaron Davis scored the Thunder's eighth goal at 12:39 using a one-handed shot that snuck the puck past Spratt's left pad. The Rush added goals from Les Reaney and Vladimir Hartinger inside the final two minutes of regulation to pull within 8-3.
Wichita scored the first goal of the night at 8:40 in the first. Martens' shot from the point was deflected by a Rush defender past Battochio's left skate. Rapid City tied the game at 9:31 on a goal from Scott Wray, but the Thunder regained the lead at 15:02 on Kory Scoran's power play goal.
Marc-Antoine Gelinas earned the win, saving 33 of 36. Battochio absorbed the loss, saving 12 of 16. Wichita was 2 for 4 on the power play and has scored a power play goal in seven straight games. The Thunder has also collected at least one point in eight straight home contests. The Rush was 0 for 5 on the power play. The win also snapped a 10-game head-to-head losing streak against the Rush.
The Thunder hosts the Colorado Eagles on Friday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 1, 2010
- Thunder Storms Past Rush - Wichita Thunder
- Mudbugs Claim Top Spot on Yellowbook CHL Coaches Poll - CHL
- Puck Night and Teddy Bear Toss Set up Month of December - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Bucks Call up Pontes - Laredo Bucks
- PrairieThunder Trip to Chicago Blackhawks Game in January - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Bucks Start Busy Weekend Thursday - Laredo Bucks
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