(RIO RANCHO, N.M.)—The Rapid City Rush (5-2-0) posted a wire-to-wire victory over the New Mexico Goatheads (1-4-3), 6-1, at Rio Rancho Events Center on Saturday.

The Rush, having already posted their hottest start in the ECHL-era, continued their outstanding early-season play. Rapid City advanced to 5-2 overall and an unblemished 4-0 on the road.

After a come-from-behind victory in the series opener, this one started with a bang for the Rush. Logan Nelson converted on a faceoff play just 1:08 into the game. Less than a minute later, Ryder Boulton knocked down former Rush defenseman Aaron Chiarot in a center-ice tilt.

Later in the first, Rapid City put together a gorgeous full-ice passing play while on the power play. Quinn Olson’s breakout feed hit Ryan Wagner at the blue line, who set up a cutting Nelson to the net for his second goal of the period and a 2-0 lead.

Rapid City’s offense continued the relentless push in the second, adding three more tallies to the board. Seth Fyten potted his first of the season on a net-front deflection. Then, Will Portokalis and Jake Ratzlaff exchanged goals, each one set up by the other, within minutes of each other. Portokalis recorded his first ECHL goal and first pro goal in North America.

Early in the third period, Eric Parker capped off the scoring, capitalizing on a faceoff set play, stretching the lead to 6-0. New Mexico managed to break the shutout bid with just 12.6 seconds remaining, ending a streak of nine consecutive goals scored by the Rush.

Shane Farkas earned his first professional win, stopping his first 17 shots faced before the last-second heartbreaker. Isaiah Saville, who was pulled in the third period, made 26 saves on 32 shots in the loss for New Mexico.

Both ECHL-contracted goaltenders, Brett Mirwald and Shane Farkas, recorded their first victories in a Rush uniform over the weekend.

Rapid City’s penalty kill finished off a banner weekend with a perfect 6-for-6 performance, including a lengthy two-man disadvantage in the third period. The Rush added a power play goal, their fourth in the last three games.

The Rush fly home tomorrow morning before heading to Boise for a three-game set against the Idaho Steelheads.

Next game: Wednesday, November 4 at Idaho. 7:10 p.m. MDT puck drop from Idaho Central Arena.

2026-27 Rapid City Rush season tickets, mini plans, and group experiences are on sale now! You can score the best deals on tickets and take advantage of exclusive perks, including season ticket holder-only events and discounts at the team store. Call the Rush office at 605-716-7825 or visit www.rapidcityrush.com to learn more and secure your seats today.