It was a tough weekend for the El Paso Rhinos losing their first two games of the season against the Idaho Steelheads during the Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl.
Wednesday night ended in a 5-3 loss for the Rhinos. Dallas Szustak (1) and Carl Graf (1) scored during the second period, followed by David Nelson (1) during a powerplay in the third period. Brandon Smolarek stopped 23 of 28 shots, with game 1 going to the Steelheads.
Friday brought a very exciting win for the Rhinos, 5-4 in a shootout. The game ended in a 4-4 tie by Tyler Basham’s hat trick and Trey Hughes goal. Trent Caspar saved 26 of 30 shots. No goals for either team during over time, concluding with goals from John Morales and Eric Miller during the shootout.
Saturday’s final game brought the second loss for the Rhinos, Chris Wilhite (1) and Matthew Pietrzykowski (1) scored during the second and third period of the game. Trent Caspar saved 38 of 42 shots, giving the Steelheads the 4-2 win.
“This weekend was an outcome on how we have to improve on our consistency as a team,” said Coach Herman before playing against the New Mexico Renegades this weekend. The Rhinos will be back at home December 8-10 to play the Fresno Monsters.
Nidia Flores can be reached at nflores@elpasorhinos.com.
