The Rapid City Rush opened the 2026-27 season 3-0 before dropping back-to-back games to the Kansas City Mavericks, finishing a season-opening, five-game set against the Mountain Division favorites at 3-2. Rush play-by-play voice Cory Berberian broke down the series — and looked ahead to this week's road trip to Rio Rancho, New Mexico — on the latest episode of The Rush Cast with Brandon Jones.
The Rush won the first two games of the series in Missouri on October 16th and 17th, then took the home opener 4-1 on Friday. Berberian said the Rush "scored three unanswered" and "never trailed throughout the game" despite a shaky first period.
Saturday brought the first loss of the season, a 3-0 defeat in which Kansas City goaltender posted a 20-save shutout. Sunday's finale was closer: the Rush rallied from a two-goal deficit, scoring a shorthanded goal in the third period to tie the game before Kansas City notched the winner. Rapid City outshot the Mavericks 41-20 in the loss.
Berberian pointed to the mid-series call-up of forward Alex Campbell to the Calgary Wranglers, Calgary's AHL affiliate, as a turning point. Campbell had a goal in Friday's win, playing second line right wing, before the Rush had to fill that spot over the final two games of the series. Berberian noted the Rush also played Sunday's game with their third-string goaltender in net, with starter Owen Say unavailable.
Despite the split result, Berberian called the series a success. "Going three and two against Kansas City is huge," he said, adding that four of the five games were competitive enough that the Rush "could be four and one" with a few more bounces.
Looking ahead, the Rush travel to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, for a two-game series Friday and Saturday against the expansion New Mexico Ice Wolves, marking the franchise's first trip to the market since 2008-09. The series precedes a quick turnaround to Boise, Idaho, for three games against the Steelheads.
Locally, Rush forwards Ryan Wagner, Tyler, Alec Butcher, Marko Scekic and Will Portokalos will serve as guest bartenders at Dakota Point Brewing on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., part of an annual promotion with the longtime team sponsor.
You can listen to the interview by looking for The brandoM Podcast anywhere you find your podcasts.
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