The Rhinos wrapped up the Showcase and 2018 by topping the Bellingham Blazers, 4-0, in Thursday’s game.
Only a minute and 14 seconds into the game, Rhino forward Adam Stalzer earned his second goal of the Showcase and gave El Paso the early lead. Stalzer earned two more points by assisting both of native El Pasoan Ty Erramouspe's goals in the first and second periods. Donald Alchin, with the help of defenseman JC Dubecky, who had assists on three of El Paso's four goals, closed the game with a 5-on-3 goal. Nils Velm earned his fourth shutout of the season, stopping all 19 shots he faced, and El Paso’s power play was one for seven.
With two wins in Las Vegas, the Rhinos’ record improves to 22-6-2 and they remain in first place in the Midwestern Division.
The season will continue January 11, 12 and 13 in Oklahoma City when the Rhinos take on their rivals and the second-place team in the Midwestern Division, the Oklahoma City Blazers, for their first series of 2019.