Stifling defense and formidable forechecking were again the order of the day as the El Paso Rhinos held the Dallas Hawks to only eight shots on goal in a 10-0 win at The Igloo Saturday night in Addison, TX.
The Rhinos took over sole possession of first place in the Mid-West Division of the Western States Hockey League as the Tulsa Rampage edged the Diablos in San Antonio, 3-2. El Paso had been tied with the Diablos prior to Saturday’s action, but now stands at 16-1-0 with 32 points to pace the Mid-West.
Rhinos goalie Andrew Duff remained sharp despite facing only the eight shots on net, nabbing his third shutout of the season and his ninth win. Duff went into the game leading all WSHL netminders with a stingy 1.13 goals-against average and a sparkling saves percentage of 94.6.
Team captain Nick Gorup and linemate Zach Kohn had four-points nights, as Gorup put in two goals and had two assists while Kohn was the first assist on four different goals, including both to his centerman Gorup.
Austin Balko contributed three points with a goal and two assists for the visitors as well.
El Paso will finish out its three game series with the Hawks Sunday afternoon.
