As the old Buzzard, Scorpion rivalry looms over the Blades arena in Rio Rancho, the El Paso Rhinos took the first contest 6 – 0 in New Mexico Friday night.
The first period was all El Paso as they scored 5 unanswered goals in a span of just under fifteen minutes.
Mike Vallier started the scoring after a very well executed forecheck and a nice feed from Kyle Shapiro.
Andrew Ketterer scored one minute into a four on three power play with a rocket from the left point.
Austin Balko scored a shorthanded goal, adding to his record of shorthanded goals as a Rhino, from a nice pass from line mate Nic Gualano
David Fegler scored on a nice feed from Vallier as the new line of Fegler, Vallier and Ridgedell were praised by the bench boss Herman for their performance Friday night.
Swedish forward Timothy Avegard scored a power play goal on a blast from the right side as Renegade goaltender Colton Ismael had no chance as the puck went just underneath the cross bar.
The second period saw the Rhinos in the penatly box most of the period and couldn\’t get any momentum as New Mecixo out played them most of the period.
Third period Colton Ismael played extremely well as the Rhino played most of the period in the Renegade zone. Timothy Avegard did however get one by the Renegade netminder fiftee minutes into the third frame.
Quebec native Max Dizgun posted his second shut out in as many nights with a very solid effort stopping all 24 shots from the visiting New Mexico Renegades team
The two teams face off again tonight at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Fans can watch the games live on www.fasthockey.com
Tickets are on sale now for the Rhinos home opener next Friday night, October 23, vs the Boulder Bison. For information please visit the Rhino website www.elpasorhinos.com or call the Rhino office at 915-479-PUCK (7825).
