Wichita Breaks Rage Streak
December 22, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rocky Mountain Rage News Release
Broomfield, Colo. - Coming into tonight's game, the Wichita Thunder was winless in all four games against the Rocky Mountain Rage. In three of the first four meetings this season, the teams were tied in the third period. Tonight, Wichita answered back with a lead after the second period and then defeated the Rage 4-1 at the Broomfield Event Center. Wichita handed the Rage their first loss of the season at home in regulation and their third regulation loss of the season. Wichita also ended Rocky Mountain's six game winning streak.
Rocky Mountain fell to 18-3-2 (38 points). The Rage maintained its first place spot in the Northwest Division and the top winning percentage in the league (.826). Wichita advanced to 6-16-0 (12 points) for fifth place in the Northwest Division.
Both teams came out to a steady pace in the first period, but it was quickly broken up. Wichita's Tyler Hanchuck fought Rocky Mountain's Jeff Hansen early at the 1:50 mark. The Rage held the advantage through much of the first period outshooting Wichita 16-9, but Wichita kept Rage goaltender Scott Reid on his game stopping high quality scoring chances.
Arguably the best scoring chance of the first period for the Rage came from captain Brent Cullaton around the 14 minute mark. Tyler Butler set up the play from deep in the defensive zone passing the puck to Cullaton for a breakaway opportunity, but Wichita goaltender Sebastien Laplante made the save. Both teams remained scoreless after the first period.
The first half of the second period was highlighted by a 5-on-3 opportunity for the Wichita Thunder. Goaltender Reid came up big for the Rage stopping all shots in the penalty kill.
At 14:09 of the second period, the first goal was scored. Rocky Mountain's Simon Watson cleaned up a rebound from the stick side of Laplante. The initial shot on goal was credited to Tyler Butler. It marked Watson's 14th goal of the season.
Wichita center Travis Clayton solved Reid at 16:42 to tie the game and teammate Jason Duda gave Wichita the lead at 18:36. It marked his first goal of the season.
Rage goaltender Guy St. Vincent stepped in for Scott Reid at the start of the third period following an injury. Wichita scored at 1:21 for Wichita's first shot on goal in the period. The Thunder added an assurance goal at 5:37 by Brad Thompson to put a win by Rocky Mountain further out of reach. As time ran out, Rocky Mountain remained scoreless in the period.
The Rage returns to action when they travel to Loveland, Colo. Dec. 26 to play their in-state rival Colorado Eagles. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. Fans not in attendance can also listen in on The New ESPN Radio 1600 or tune in to CHL Network at www.RockyMountainRage.com.
The Rage returns home Dec. 28th to host the Oklahoma City Blazers. Single-game tickets for all home Rage games are on sale now and range in price from $18-$43 per seat (parking included), and may be purchased through Ticketmaster. Season tickets, mini-packs, and group plans are also available for the 2007-08 season by calling 303-439-RAGE. For more information, visit www.RockyMountainRage.com.
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Central Hockey League Stories from December 22, 2007
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