Center Mitch Stephens Signs in Germany
July 2, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush announced today that center Mitch Stephens has signed with the Rosenheim Starbulls of the German Oberliga. Stephens was acquired by the Rush back on February 8th in a trade with the Laredo Bucks. "I loved it in Rapid City," said Stephens. "I played in New Mexico for a year and a half and I also played in Laredo and I have to say Rapid City is definitely the best place to play. If I were to play in North America again it would surely be in Rapid City. The set up was great, the owners are some of the best in league and the living arrangements are better there than any other place. The fans were unbelievable. After playing in places that rarely get a sellout, to play in front of a sold out crowd night after night was something else. I'm hoping to have great season in Europe, if time permits, I would love to be a part of the Rush for their playoff drive." Stephens skated in 19 games for the Rush where he had 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points, 5 of which came in the final weekend against the Colorado Eagles. Last season, before donning the Rush uniform, Stephens played 6 games with the Laredo Bucks and 41 with the New Mexico Scorpions. Between the two teams, the 6'2" 175-pound forward totaled 14 goals and 36 assists for 50 points. "Obviously losing Mitch is tough, but we're happy for him," said Head Coach Joe Ferras. Our job is to get players to higher leagues, whether it be in North America or Europe. With the season in Europe ending by mid-to-late February, we will retain his rights in hopes of having him join us on our playoff run in March." The Forrest, Manitoba native played 4 years of college hockey at SUNY-Geneseo before making his pro debut with the Scorpions in the 2007-08 season. "Clearly it's a great opportunity for Mitch," said Assistant Coach Mark DeSantis. "He's a very skilled player and playing in Europe he should get a good chance to showcase those skills even more. Playing that style can definitely lead to having longer career because the game there is not as physical as it is in North America. On the other side, he was great player joining us toward the end of the season, so it's a tough loss for us. Hopefully he does well and shows that we are doing a good job of developing players here in Rapid City."Scholastic Book Fair and Rush Appearance: The local Sylvan Learning Center will be holding a Scholastic Book Fair the week of July 13- 17th at their location on West Main Street, across from the Guard Camp in Rapid City. Rush Hockey players, Nugget and the Rushettes will be reading and signing autographs Wednesday the 15th from 11:30-12:30. Other Rush News: After weeks of design and restructuring, Rapid City Rush launched the new team website. The Rush website can still be found at www.RapidCityRush.com. The new and improved website offers several new features including an interactive calendar on the home page that will allow fans to stay informed on upcoming Rush appearances and future home and road games. According to Darcy Zandstra, Director of Sales and Marketing, the new website will offer an interactive Ticket Exchange feature for fans to trade and sell unused season tickets for the 2009 - 2010 Rush hockey season. At the time of the site's unveiling, this feature wasn't complete but will be added in the next few weeks. Rapid City Rush made another milestone recently with the introduction of a kids club. Taco Bell has teamed up with Rapid City Rush to offer the Taco Bell's Miners Club. The Club will offer children ages 5 to 12 the opportunity to be a member of the Official Rush Chuck-a-Puck Cleanup Crew as well as other fun perks to include a private autograph session with the Rush and Nugget as well as a tour of the locker room and Rush bus. The cost for a Miners Club membership is $20 and $15 for current season ticket holders. To learn more about the Miners Club visit www.RapidCityRush.com
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Central Hockey League Stories from July 2, 2009
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- John DeCaro Returns to Mudbugs - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Mudbugs Officially Introduce New Owners - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Center Mitch Stephens Signs in Germany - Rapid City Rush
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- Kennedy Back With Oilers - Tulsa Oilers
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