Wichita Thunders Past Rush
December 31, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
RAPID CITY, SD- The Wichita Thunder ended the 2010 calendar year with a 4-1 win over the Rapid City Rush at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center on Friday night.
Four different Thunder players accounted for the goals, while Marc-Antoine Gelinas had his third consecutive strong outing to earn the win.
The Thunder used two power play goals to take a 2-0 lead after the first period. Jesse Bennefield beat Rush goaltender Danny Battochio through the five-hole at 9:06 during a Thunder two-man advantage. Daniel Tetrault ripped a slapshot from the right circle that Battochio kicked in the direction of Bennefield. Aaron Davis made it 2-0 at 15:20 during a five-on-four power play. Andrew Martens threw the puck across the crease from the left corner where Davis slammed it past Battochio's left.
Wichita maintained its two-goal lead through the second with each team scoring once. Brendon Hodge backhanded a rebound past the left of Marc-Antoine Gelinas at 6:06 to cut the Thunder's lead in half. Wichita responded at 11:07 when Lance Galbraith buried a slapshot from the left halfboards over Battachio's left shoulder.
A.J. Gale closed out the scoring for the night at 14:04 in the third, smacking in a cross-crease pass from Andrew Martens. Martens had taken the puck on a neutral zone turnover and led the two-on-one rush that resulted in Gale's goal.
Gelinas saved 25 of 26 for the win, including a brilliant save on Scott Wray in the second. Wray was left alone with a portion of the net exposed where Gelinas leaped on top of his backhand attempt.
Wichita was 2 for 7 on the power play while the Rush were 0 for 3. Battochio took the loss, saving 26 of 30. Jason Goulet picked up two fighting majors with Jay Birnie.
Wichita and Rapid City battles again Saturday night at 8:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on both Oldies 93.5 KWME and Sports Radio 1550 KKLE, as well as worldwide at www.kleyam.com The Thunder returns home on Friday, January 7th when they host the Missouri Mavericks. For tickets, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.
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