After dropping the first two games to Tulsa in regulation, then in shootout, the El Paso Rhinos found their footing, finishing their weekend in Tulsa with a 6-2 win.
Third-year forward Tyler Ridgedell and newcomer Todd Thomas each notched two goals in Sunday\’s series finale, as El Paso stays above .500 and in the thick of the WSHL\’s Mid-West Division race.
Sunday\’s win comes on the heels of a disappointing effort in a 3-2 loss Friday and a shootout loss Saturday.
The Rhinos held a 2-0 lead going into the third period of Friday\’s series opener, only to see it disappear as Tulsa\’s Nick Dirado scored twice in the final frame, including the game-winner with just 2:16 left to play.
After getting the go-ahead goal just 3:11 into the third period Saturday, the Rampage\’s Mario Dalesandro scored 46 seconds later to tie the game before Tulsa won the full two points in shootout. El Paso did get one point for the tie at the end of regulation.
This weekend, the Rhinos head to Rio Rancho to take on the New Mexico Renegades in a three-game series beginning Friday, Nov. 5, before returning to the Events Center against the Renegades beginning Friday, Nov. 19.
El Paso is now 6-4-2, sitting in the middle of the Western States Hockey League\’s Mid-West Division with 14 points. Tulsa is the division leader with 19 points.
For tickets and information, please contact the Rhinos\’ front office at 915/479.PUCK (7825) or go to www.elpasorhinos.com.
