King Returns for Second Season in Rapid City
October 1, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush announced today the return of forward Colt King for the 2010-11 season. King returns after a 50-point season after helping lead the Rush to a Presidents' Cup Championship in his first year in the Black Hills. King was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the fourth round, 130th overall, of the 2001 NHL entry draft.
"We're very happy to have Colt back in the fold," said Ferras. "He is a tremendous influence in locker room and Colt can be as good as he wants to be. He is a premier power forward that brings great veteran leadership and makes other players on the team better. After being big part of our championship run last season, we know his character and leadership will be huge, both on and off the ice. We're looking for him to lead by example and be a go-to-guy as we surround him with quality young players."
King, 27, is coming off of his second-consecutive 50-point campaign. Last season, King finished among team leaders with 28 goals (3rd) and 50 points (6th). He lead also led the Rush in powerplay goals (10), penalty minutes (163) and shot percentage (.257). King was voted "Best Power Forward" and "Best Bodychecker" for the second straight year in the CHL's annual Best of the Best Poll.
The veteran reached numerous milestones during last season's championship run. On October 27th in a game against the Tulsa Oilers, he netted his 100th and 101st career goals. Against the Mississippi RiverKings on November 27th, he surpassed 1,000 career penalty minutes. Finally, King collected his first hat trick since the 2006-07 season, marking Rapid City's third all-time in a 5-2 win against the Colorado Eagles on February 28th.
"I'm excited to be back in front of our fans," said King. "As exciting as last year was, I think it's going to get even better this season. Winning it last year gave me such a desire to come back this season and try to win it again. It's something I've never felt before in my career and that's what we're driving towards again this season."
The Thunder Bay, Ontario native also made his way to the American Hockey League (AHL) level last season. After the first 17 games of the season, the Rush entered a loan agreement with the Rochester Americans that allowed King to sign a two-way contract. King played in two games with the Americans who are the top affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers.
Prior to joining the Rush, the 6'2", 225-pound, power forward had his best statistical season while playing in his second year with the Rage (2008-09). In 61 games, King amassed career-highs in goals (28), assists (40) and points (68) to go along with 168 penalty minutes. His 28 goals were tied for the team lead and tied for 16th in the league.
King began his professional career in 2004 with the Augusta Lynx of the ECHL. King skated one more season in the ECHL split between the Lynx and the Utah Grizzlies before making his way to the United Hockey League (UHL) and the Port Huron Flags where he was named an All-Star for the 2006-07 season. He then began his CHL career with the Rocky Mountain Rage in the 2007-08 season where he totaled 14 goals, 37 points and 110 penalty minutes in 51 games.
The Rush mow have 22 players under contract for the 2010-11 season. The current roster is as follows:
Forwards: Brendon Hodge, Scott Wray, Colt King, Blaine Jarvis, Luke Erickson, Ryan Menei, Erik Felde, Chris Chambers, Jeff Olitch, Kyle Laughlin and Josh Beaulieu.
Defenseman: Riley Weselowski, Dave Grimson, Libor Ustrnul, Vladimir Hartinger, Andrew Smale, Gio Flamminio, Scott Kalinchuk, Corey Laurysen, John Wessbecker and Jay Birnie.
Goaltender: Danny Battochio.
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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Central Hockey League Stories from October 1, 2010
- PrairieThunder Announces Training Camp Roster & Schedule - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Rush Add Second Goaltender with Jimmy Spratt Signing - Rapid City Rush
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- Gems Announce Training Camp Schedule - Dayton Gems
- Bucks Announce Training Camp Roster - Laredo Bucks
- King Returns for Second Season in Rapid City - Rapid City Rush
- Mavericks Begin Training Camp October 4 - Kansas City Mavericks
- Training Camp Set to Open for IceMen - Evansville IceMen
- IceMen Sign 3 Top League All-Stars - Evansville IceMen
- Thunder Announces Promotions for 2010-11 - Wichita Thunder
- Rush to Announce New Goaltender Live on the Fox Today at 4pm - Rapid City Rush
- Bucks Make History, Unveil Smart Phone App - Laredo Bucks
- Jackalopes Training Camp to Begin Monday - Odessa Jackalopes
- RiverKings Announce Training Camp Schedule - Mississippi RiverKings
- Oilers Get Underway Monday - Tulsa Oilers
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