Wichita Thunder Scores Last-Second Game-Winner Against Rapid City Rush

Controversial power play leads to game-winning goal in final 0.1 seconds

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Wichita Thunder defeated the Rapid City Rush 4-3 in a dramatic last-second finish at INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday. With the game tied 3-3 in the final seconds, the Thunder were awarded a late power play and scored the game-winning goal with just 0.1 seconds left on the clock. The controversial finish saw the Rush penalized six minutes in the final eight minutes of regulation, giving Wichita the opportunity to take the lead.

Why it matters

This game-winning goal in the final seconds highlights the intense rivalry between the two Central Hockey League teams and the importance of special teams in close games. The late penalties called against Rapid City also sparked debate around officiating and whether the game was decided by controversial calls rather than the play on the ice.

The details

Wichita took a 3-1 lead in the second period, but Rapid City's penalty kill turned the tables as Seth Fyten scored a shorthanded goal to make it 3-2 at the second intermission. Quinn Olson then tied the game early in the third period, setting up the dramatic finish. Wichita's Kyle Crnkovic scored the game-winner with just 0.1 seconds left on the clock after the Rush were penalized late in regulation.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.
  • Wichita took a 3-1 lead in the second period.
  • Rapid City scored a shorthanded goal late in the second period to make it 3-2.
  • Quinn Olson tied the game 3-3 early in the third period.
  • Kyle Crnkovic scored the game-winning goal for Wichita with 0.1 seconds remaining in regulation.

The players

Kyle Crnkovic

The Wichita Thunder forward scored the game-winning goal with 0.1 seconds left in regulation.

Seth Fyten

The Rapid City Rush forward scored a shorthanded goal in the second period to cut Wichita's lead to 3-2.

Quinn Olson

The Rapid City Rush forward tied the game 3-3 early in the third period.

Roddy Ross

The Wichita Thunder goaltender made 32 saves to earn the win.

Rico DiMatteo

The Rapid City Rush goaltender made 31 saves in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been doing something right to draw that many penalties late in the game. I'm proud of the guys for staying composed and capitalizing on the opportunity.”

— Kyle Crnkovic, Wichita Thunder Forward (prohockeynews.com)

“The refs decided this one, plain and simple. We played our hearts out and deserved better than this.”

— Quinn Olson, Rapid City Rush Forward (prohockeynews.com)

What’s next

The Rapid City Rush will look to bounce back when they return home to face the Tahoe Knight Monsters on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14.

The takeaway

This game-winning goal in the final seconds highlights the intense rivalry between the Wichita Thunder and Rapid City Rush, as well as the importance of special teams and officiating in close hockey games. The controversial late penalties called against Rapid City will surely be a topic of discussion in the days to come.