(RAPID CITY, S.D.) – The Rapid City Rush, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, defeated the Wichita Thunder in overtime on Saturday night at The Monument, 3-2.
Peter Bates scored first for Wichita just 1:55 into the game, marking his 15th goal of the season.
While the Rush would pepper goaltender Magnus Chrona with 20 shots in the first period, a single-period high this year, none found the back of the net in the first period.
Wichita would add another on a Michal Stinil goal set up by Brayden Watts for this second assist of the game. However, the 2-0 lead would not last long.
James Hardie scored his first goal as a member of the Rush to trigger the deluge of teddy bears during the annual teddy toss game. Hardie’s goal from Jarrod Gourley and Brett Gravelle is the third powerplay goal in as many games for the Rush.
Rapid City would outshoot the Thunder 15-3 in the third period, but on the 51st shot of the game, Logan Nelson blasted a one-timer past the seemingly unbeatable Magnus Chrona to tie the game with 32 seconds left.
For the second straight night, the game extended into overtime where 2:51 in Brett Gravelle scored the game-winning goal.
The Rush earned all six standings points on the weekend and will carry a three-game winning streak to Idaho on Wednesday where they will start a six-game road trip vs. the Steelheads.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers