Rush Welcome Back Derek LeBlanc for Third Season
October 5, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush announced today that forward Derek LeBlanc has been signed and will return for his third season in the Black Hills. LeBlanc has been a mainstay for the Rush since his rookie season, Rapid City's inaugural campaign in 2008-09.
"Obviously we're very excited to have player of Derek's ability back in Rapid City," said head coach Joe Ferras. "Derek has been a mainstay since day one with the Rush and was a big contributor in our run to championship last season. Derek played his best hockey in the playoffs for us, not only picking up 9 goals in 17 games, but competing every night and leading by example to help us capture our first championship. Although Derek is only a third-year pro, we expect him to be a leader both on and off the ice for us this season and to continue to be a premier player in the CHL."
Last season, the 24-year-old began the season with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL) where in 9 games, he collected an assist. He then made his Rush season debut on November 25th against the Wichita Thunder. In his second contest (11/27 vs. MIS), LeBlanc collected his first points of the season with a goal and two assists and also tallied his 50th career point. In mid-February, LeBlanc caught fire, becoming the first Rush player to score goals in five straight games (2/12 vs. ODE - 2/19 @ RGV). In all, LeBlanc finished the 2009-10 regular season with 19 goals and 35 total points in 41 games for the Rush.
In the postseason, the 6'2", 210-pound forward totaled 14 points in 17 games and finished tied for the team lead in goals (9).
"I'm very excited to be coming back to Rapid City," said LeBlanc. "Rapid City is a first class organization and I couldn't imagine a better place to play. I've had two great years here and look forward to defending our title."
Ferras selected LeBlanc from the Rocky Mountain Rage in the CHL's expansion draft for Rapid City's inaugural season. As a rookie, LeBlanc took time to get going, but was one of the best Rush players in the second half of the season. That season, he collected 11 points through the 28 games in the 2008 calendar year. Once January came, LeBlanc got on a tear in which he amassed 5 goals and 12 points through the first 9 games of 2009. In 2009 as a whole, the winger collected 17 goals and 34 points in the final 36 games.
That season, the Brandon, Manitoba native led the Rush with 4 game-winning goals while his 26 tallies ranked second on the squad and his 45 points were good enough for 5th on the team. When looking at the CHL's rookie scoring leaders, LeBlanc finished the regular season ranked 3rd in goals, 9th in points and led all rookies in powerplay goals with 11.
Other Rush News:
Now taking reservations for season tickets for the 2010 - 2011 Rush hockey season. For more information, contact the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825) or email tickets@rapidcityrush.com
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.
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