The Rampage jumped out to a 3-1 first period lead on goals from Jared Meers, Justin Fontaine and Josh Kierce. The Ice Demons Terry Whelan picked up the lone Kitimat goal in the first period, putting the puck past Keano Wilson for what in the end, would be the only time on Saturday night.
The Rampage goal parade continued in the second period with a marker by Kory Movald, while period number three wrapped up with two more goals, one each for Jared Meers and Josh Kierce adding to their totals for the night.
It wasn't for lack of opportunity that Kitimat came up short, the Ice Demons directed 30 shots on Wilson in the Rampage net. The Prince Rupert goaltender coolly deflected 29 of the Ice Demon shots, leaving Kitimat's players frustrated to the side of the Rupert goal, unrewarded for their work in the Prince Rupert end of the rink.
Those frustrations were clear through periods 1, 2 and 3 with frequent trips to the penalty box for both teams, the Rampage picking up the bulk of the penalties, serving 32 minutes on 12 infractions on the night, Kitimat players were penalized for nineteen minutes on 9 penalty calls for the night.
Saturday night's game came in the midst of a number of events in town over the weekend, including the Waterfront sail past which no doubt had an impact on the night's announced attendance of 425, the lowest of the year for the Rampage this year.
Though, for those in attendance the home team clearly put on a rewarding show, making the best of their opportunities and refusing to be pushed around in their own building.
The win helps to pull the Rampage back into playoff contention in the CIHL West, currently tied with Houston and with rival Terrace still within sight.
The Rampage see action next weekend, when they can gain some ground on Terrace as they play host to those River Kings for a Saturday night game, with a puck drop scheduled for 7:30.
You can review all of our Rampage items as well as other reports on the CIHL from our Rampage Archive page.
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