Rampage start 2018-19 CIHL campaign off on a winning note

One game into the new season and the Prince Rupert Rampage sit atop the CIHL standings, with the Rampage claiming a 5-1victory over host Kitimat in the ice breaker game to the 2018-19 season on Saturday night.

Despite some bus woes for the Prince Rupert lads which saw the start of the game delayed to 8 PM, the Rampage jumped off to a quick start in the opening frame with Brady Ward and Cole Atchison pacing the visitors to a 2-0 lead after twenty minutes, adding to the totals in period two when Jordan Aubee and Jacob Santurbano found the mark.

One of the Rupert goals was answered by Kitimat at the midway point of period two, with Taylor Mallet scoring what would by games end be the only Ice Demon goal for the contest.

Cole Atchison finished off the Rampage scoring on the evening midway through the third period, to make for the 5-1 final.

One of the newest recruits to the Rhinos had a fairly impressive debut with his new squad, as Judd Repole contributed three assists in the season opener, showcasing the play making skills that he displayed during his junior hockey days in the Kootenay Junior League.

Repole wrapped up his standdout junior career earlier this spring with Osoyoos and has now returned to the North Coast, his addition to the Rampage roster one which should help boost offensive numbers through the year ahead.

Keanu Wilson had a solid night in the nets to keep the Ice Demons from launching any kind of a comeback, an ambition that was assisted by strong defensive play in the Rampage end of the rink.

The night was a relatively peaceful debut for the season, with the Rampage and Ice Demons each serving 10 minutes of penalty time on five calls each.

The full box score for Saturday night's contest can be reviewed here.

Saturday nights game was the only one scheduled for the weekend and start of the CIHL season.

The Rampage return to the road on Friday, with a trip to Terrace on the agenda, making for the home opener for the CIHL champions of last year.

This Saturday night, hometown fans get their first chance to see the 2018-19 Rampage lineup for themselves, as the Rhinos host their home opener against Kitimat at 7PM.

You can keep up with updates from the Rampage room through their Facebook page here.

We feature updates on Rampage results through the season from our Rampage results page here.

For more notes of interest on the CIHL see our CIHL News archive page here.


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