Wilhite scored at 8:01, assisted by Nick Gorup and Anthony Paulsen, as the shot caught the heel of Wilhite’s stick on his follow through and slowly skidded past a surprised Parkyn. That was followed just 16 seconds later by a goal from Rashad Harris that chased Parkyn from net.
Playing in his first home game, Burch wrapped up a four-goal second period with a power play strike at 18:51 on a pass from Wilhite that beat back-up goalie Alex Anderson.
Krueger scored his second power play goal falling away from the puck as he was upended at the crease. Wilhite and Costi Hinn assisted on the goal at 3:11 of the third.
Goller got his second, also on the power play, at 4:38 of the third, as Weber and Burch assisted.
Costi Hinn assisted Zach Kohn on El Paso ’s 10th and final goal at 10:39 of the third.
El Paso heads into the Western States Hockey League’s Thanksgiving break as the Mid-West Division’s top team at 19-0-2. The Rhinos’ 40 points ties Phoenix for the best point total in the league. The Polar Bears have 20 wins and a loss, but El Paso has taken a point from every game it has played this season.
The Cajun Catahoulas (1-21-2) are tied with Bay Cities for the worst point total in the league with four.
The Rhinos’ four power play goals give them the third-best power play in the WSHL, as the team converts 21.4 percent of its opportunities.
Wilhite’s four-point night (1g, 3a) gives him 14 goals and 18 assists on the year, tying him for eighth among the league’s scoring leaders with 32 points. Zach Kohn is tied for 13th with 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points.
El Paso returns to action at home Friday, Nov. 30th for a Friday-Saturday-Sunday series against second place San Antonio.
