The Prince Rupert Rampage started their weekend strong in Kitimat, coming from behind to score an 11-7 victory over the Ice Demons on Jan. 18.
Playing in the first game in over a month, the Rampage had to shake off some dust early against the Ice Demons, whom they have gone unbeaten throughout this season.
The Rampage fell behind 3-2 in the first period and then 6-5 heading into the third period.
“Guys hadn’t quite found their rhythm yet, and we were making sloppy mistakes that we don’t usually make,” said Roger Atchison, the team’s head coach.
READ MORE: Prince Rupert Rampage rout Kitimat Ice Demons
Atchison added that in addition to rust, fatigue played a factor in the team’s play. Playing in the first of two games over the weekend, the Rampage were only able to put two lines out on the ice.
Despite those challenges, Atchison said the team’s comfort level playing together made the difference down the stretch of the game.
“I think our guys just calmed down,” he said. “We know we just had to bring our game back up.”
A strong defensive effort in the third period gave the Rampage the cushion they needed to win the game comfortably. Judd Repole was the team’s stand-out performer, tallying eight points (two points, six assists).
The team’s focus now shifts to tonight’s game against the Terrace River Kings, a team that currently trails the Rampage in the CIHL standings.
The matchup between the two teams will have important playoff implications as the 2018-19 season winds down.
Atchison said his team knows they will have to raise their games to compete against the veteran River Kings squad, who have beaten the Rampage in their past two matchups.
“We’re going to have to be sharper to play against Terrace,” Atchison said. “Tonight should be a different story.”
READ MORE: Prince Rupert Rampage come up short in Terrace
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<>Matthew Allen | Reporter
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