(INDEPENDENCE, Mo.)—The Rapid City Rush (2-0-0) scored twice in the third period to hold off the Kansas City Mavericks (0-2-0) and secure a weekend sweep at Cable Dahmer Arena on Saturday.
In a seesaw game throughout, both teams held the lead for extended periods of time. Kansas City’s Jack Randl struck five minutes into the game, the only scoring in the first period despite a 16-6 shot advantage for the Rush.
Rapid City’s offense found their way to the back of the net in the second. Ryan Wagner potted a 5-on-3 goal to tie the game, then Alex Young took advantage of a net-mouth scramble and whacked home the go-ahead tally. Randl responded to tie it late in the middle period, and the teams were even, 2-2, at the end of 40 minutes.
At the start of the third period, Owen Say entered the game in relief of Semyon Konopsky, who made his first professional start. The Rush gave him a lead early courtesy a Tyson Feist blue-line shot.
Kansas City’s Jakov Novak tied the game off a turnover with 12 minutes remaining, a no-goal call that was reversed upon replay review.
The Rush were again unfazed, and Wagner landed the final punch. With 7:35 to go, Rapid City’s captain chipped home a rebound after Young fired a low shot on net. From then on, the Rush defense locked things down, including a 6-on-5 stint lasting more than two minutes.
Wagner (3g+2a) and Young (2g+3a) led the way during the weekend sweep, with five points each over the two games. The two are currently tied for the ECHL’s scoring lead.
Say earned the win in relief and made 9 saves on 10 shots. Logan Terness suffered the loss, despite a strong performance with 31 stops.
For the first time since 2023, Rapid City is 2-0 to begin the regular season. This is the Rush’s first 2-0 start in Mountain Division play since joining the ECHL in 2014.
The Rush return to Rapid City and welcome in the Mavericks on Slumberland Furniture Ice at The Monument Ice Arena for the home opener next Friday, October 23rd, kicking off a three-game weekend.
Next game: Friday, October 23 vs. Kansas City. 7:05 p.m. MDT puck drop from The Monument Ice 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.
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