(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush (3-0-0) posted a 4-1 home opening victory over the Kansas City Mavericks (0-3-0) on Slumberland Furniture Ice at The Monument Ice Arena on Friday.
A tightly-contested first period saw both teams find the back of the net. Marko Sikic kicked off the scoring with a shorthanded goal six minutes into the game. The first-year Rush fired a low shot while on a partial breakaway to send the home crowd to their feet early.
Kansas City responded on their next power play late in the first, courtesy Nolan Walker, who picked up his third goal of the series.
The Rush would take over the scoring for the remainder of the game. Logan Nelson capitalized on a two-on-one break early in the second period for the eventual game-winning goal.
Alex Campbell added insurance in the third period for Rapid City, pushing the lead to 3-1, as he deposited a cross-ice pass from Sikic just after a power play had expired.
Kansas City pulled their goaltender with three-and-a-half minutes remaining. The Mavericks came dangerously close to scoring, but Owen Say made a goal-line save with the butt end of his stick. Seconds later, Tyler Inamoto took a delay of game penalty for shooting the puck over the glass. Rapid City killed the full 6-on-4, and Inamoto went on to hit the empty net and ice the game.
Say stopped 29 out of 30 shots to improve to 3-0 in the ECHL. Logan Terness took his second straight loss for Kansas City.
The win moves the Rush to 3-0, a feat they have not achieved since 2013, their final season in the Central Hockey League. Rapid City has outscored Kansas City 14-7 and clinched a victory in the five-game series.
Next game: Saturday, October 24 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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